A new update for the MMORPG space game EVE Online has introduced free-to-play capabilities to the game. The update was announced in August.

Development studio CPP Games will support both the existing subscription model as well as the new free-to-play model.

Players who have a free-to-play account can access basic functionality in the game. Free-to-play players who wish to have access to advanced capabilities will still need to pay a monthly subscription fee.

CPP Games calls the new combination of subscription accounts and free-to-play accounts Clone States. With the new system the different types of accounts will either have an Omega or Alpha state respectively.

Omega clones will operate just like a subscribed character does today. Alpha clones will be accessible for free, without subscription, and will be capable of training an assigned set of skills themed to a character’s race.

The skill set that Alpha Clones can train is race specific to the character that is training, and includes skills for flying tech one frigates, destroyers and cruisers, and for basic access to trading and industry.

In essence, the new EVE Online model seems to be a free trial version of the game. Players that wish to enhance their experience are still required to pay a subscription fee.