Champions Online switching to free-to-play

Cryptic just confirmed that superhero game Champions Online is to become to latest MMO to switch to a free-to-play model.

While the game will still feature a subs service, now dubbed "Gold," it will also have a free, "Silver" level, where players can play at no cost but won't have complete control over what powers their heroes get.

Instead, they'll only be able to create heroes by choosing an Archetype.

Silver Players are also limited in other ways, such as inventory, bank and marketplace space. They'll retain full control over how their character looks using the costume editor, and they'll get access to all the game's zones and levels.

Players that continue to pay for the game won't see any changes. They'll get all the zones, all the levels, all existing and future adventure packs, and all the costume parts available today, plus a bunch of new ones.

"You still have complete control over what powers your hero has (as well as their color), just like today," said Cryptic in an update.

"The only difference you'll see is that there will be more things in the C-Store to buy, if you are so inclined.

The developer added: "Current lifetime subscribers automatically become Gold Members for life and get all the same benefits."

Champions Online follows several high profile games into the free-play model, such as D&D Online and LOTRO.

It first released in September 2009.