Cryptic Studios, which has been no stranger to controversy lately, is on the receiving end of community backlash once again, this time for their recently released MMORPG, Star Trek Online. What's stirring the pot over at Star Trek Online? A limited time offer of a $10 price cut and an additional 60 days (for a total of 90) free game time for customers who purchase the standard edition of  the game or just the extra 60 days for those who purchase the Collector's Edition before 9PM PST on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010.

As a new customer, this sounds like an absolutely excellent offer. Who wouldn't want an extra 60 days? That more than covers that premium one would pay for the Collector's Edition, and makes the standard edition an absolutel steal. I'll give you a hint -- it's not the new customers that are in a tizzy.

The early adopters of Star Trek Online are the one's feeling the rage at the moment, and boy are they angry.

Cryptic Studios has released a statement regarding the matter, but it hasn't really done much to placate the community. Read below for Cryptic's statement:

Hi everyone,

We understand that some of you are upset about the current sale on Atari.com. There are a number of threads on the forums about this, which is making it very difficult to find information about anything else on these forums. Due to this, we are closing all other threads regarding this matter. We do value your feedback on this, matter however, and would appreciate it if you would post your feedback regarding this matter here, in this thread. All other threads regarding this will be closed.

Thanks,
Phoxe

Addendum:
I've heard many voicing concerns that we will not be honoring this sale for anyone who took advantage of it this weekend. This is not the case at all, and anyone who decided to take advantage of the offer will receive what they purchased, as advertised.

It now appears that the 60 day bonus has now been removed.

What are your thoughts on the issue? Let us know in the comments below.

[Thanks Xondar123 for the tip!]