Champions Online going free to play in 2011

Cryptic hopes the move will help the game reach a new audience.

Atari Europe and Cryptic Studios have announced that superhero MMO, Champions Online, will be free to play beginning Q1 2011 - a free download and no monthly subscription.

Champions Online free-to-play will also feature additional premium content for purchase. Adventure Packs, items, powers and costume pieces can be selected from Cryptic's C-Store.

Additionally, current players may continue subscribing as Gold members, while new players may also optionally upgrade to Gold status, which unlocks most of the game's content and includes extra features.

"Transitioning Champions Online to the free-to-play model is a great opportunity to reach a whole new audience of PC gamers that view subscription fees as a barrier to entry," said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "By taking care of our current subscription-based community and welcoming the addition of new players through free-to-play, Champions Online is poised to build upon its success and to establish a new leadership position as the first free-to-play superhero MMO."

Free-to-play key features include:

Unlimited Play Time: Play as much as you like, as long as you like, at absolutely no cost. No subscription or credit card required.

Your Own Hero, Your Own Story: Become a hero, encounter his or her Nemesis, and advance to maximum level at no cost.

Play Your Way: Utilise the optional web-based and in-game C-Store to purchase gameplay upgrades or additional premium content.

A Champions Online free-to-play beta will begin November 9, 2010 and will be made available to a subset of current players.