Atari and Champions Online developer, Cryptic Studios, have announced that the game will become a free to play title beginning in Q1 2011. Premium content and adventure packs will be available in the CStore for additional purchase. Current subscribers will be called 'gold members' and regular monthly subscriptions will be available to new players for $14.99 per month.  Gold members will receive all content at no cost. Free players, or silver members, will be required to pay for things on an individual basis.

"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."

Check out the F2P matrix here. Check out the F2P FAQ here.