Star Trek Online

[KingIsaacLinksr]

I'm thinking of picking it up again later and seeing what they changed, not even sure if my account still exists, but I'll try.

King

[Dangelus]

I'll have to check how much the software itself will be to purchase. Can I buy it online in download form?

[Rico]

I'll have to check how much the software itself will be to purchase. Can I buy it online in download form?

It's FREE.  See my recent post for the download link.  The free period starts officially on Jan. 17th...

[Dangelus]

Wow I thought "free" just meant there was no sub anymore. So the game is free too? Awesome! :)

[turtlesrock]

wait wait wait free star trek online? that's cool! jan. 17th can't come fast enough!

[Rico]

Wow I thought "free" just meant there was no sub anymore. So the game is free too? Awesome! :)

Yep - all free.  Like many "free" games these days, it will have a few limitations and you can buy other things like more ships, uniforms, etc.  But you will be able to do a lot for free.

[WillEagle]

I think I can afford that!!!
Jan. 17, 2012. The day I join Starfleet!!

[Feathers]

Is there actually money to be made through this approach? I hear about it quite a lot but have never really understood how companies make any money out of it.

[billybob476]

Is there actually money to be made through this approach? I hear about it quite a lot but have never really understood how companies make any money out of it.

Basically you get to play a limited version of the game (i.e. up to a lower level cap, only able to go to certain areas, only able to play limited factions etc) for free. If you want more access you can either pay for specific additional access or go back to paying a monthly fee for various levels of access.

The free version is really just an indefinite demo.

[Dangelus]

It's the "freemuim" model used in a lot of apps these days. They hook you in then you just HAVE to buy all the little add ons to "enhance" the game.  Must be working.

[Dangelus]

Is there actually money to be made through this approach? I hear about it quite a lot but have never really understood how companies make any money out of it.

Basically you get to play a limited version of the game (i.e. up to a lower level cap, only able to go to certain areas, only able to play limited factions etc) for free. If you want more access you can either pay for specific additional access or go back to paying a monthly fee for various levels of access.

The free version is really just an indefinite demo.

Oh that doesn't sound as appealing now. :(

[Rico]

Actually Joe, the STO - free to play system is quite a bit more inclusive than a demo.  They allow you to do a great deal.  See this chart for a comparison...

http://www.startrekonline.com/f2p_features

[billybob476]

Oh that's pretty much the whole game :)

[Rico]

Oh that's pretty much the whole game :)

Yes - I don't see many real restrictions in their free to play model for STO.  :)

[billybob476]

Oh that's pretty much the whole game :)

Yes - I don't see many real restrictions in their free to play model for STO.  :)

That'll learn me to go read stuff before I shoot my big mouth :) I was going off other stuff I've played like AoE Online.