CCP Games’ space MMO EVE Online is exploring the free-to-play landscape as the company has announced a free-to-play program, which is due to go live in November.

EVE Online’s free-to-play setup will be very different from other MMOs that went from pay-to-play to free-to-play. In fact, the description of the program, known as Clone states, makes it sound more like an unlimited free trial. The upcoming clone states system will have two forms an alpha clone state (free-to-play) and omega clone state (pay-to-play). The difference between the two is simple, alpha clones are only able to train and use a specific set of skills, while the omega clone has no restrictions. Below is the official explanation of the differences.

• The Alpha Clone State is the new base state for all clones and it will be available to any character in New Eden at any time. Clones in the Alpha state will be able to train and use a specific set of skills including tech one Frigates, Destroyers and Cruisers for your faction along with essential weapons and modules. Alphas will also train skills at a reduced rate compared to Omegas.
• The Omega Clone State is obtained by augmenting basic clones using neural expanders and cerebral acceleration technology, granting unlimited skill access. Omega clone state will behave exactly as your subscribed characters do now.

In terms of free-to-play models, CCP Games have come up with an incredibly fair model that entices players to play by dangling the most powerful technology in front of them.

EVE Online is the latest in a long list of pay-to-play MMOs to explore the free-to-play landscape, in fact, while pay-to-play was once the dominant model, the free-to-play model has grown from strength to strength. The question is now since EVE Online is exploring free-to-play will any other pay-to-play MMO follow them.

For an in-depth look at the EVE Online clone states, please read the EVE Online clone states development blog.