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Star Trek Online players gather in-game to memorialize the passing of Chekov actor Walter Koenig
Players of Star Trek Online gathered in-game at Starfleet Academy and Earth Space Dock to memorialize the passing of actor Walter Koenig, who played Pavel Chekov. Cryptic Studios, the game's developer, also shared a message honoring Koenig, with whom they had worked when he reprised his role for the game.
Neverwinter wants to bribe you with lots of in-game goodies to take a new survey
Cryptic Studios is encouraging Neverwinter players to participate in a new survey by offering in-game rewards. The survey covers recent releases, content, and class popularity, and also asks about player interest in developer content like blogs and roadmaps. Rewards include a rainbow goat vanity pet, companion upgrade tokens, and a legendary insignia choice pack.
"What if Larian had shut down after Divine Divinity?": Star Trek Online exec scorns publishers who close teams like BioWare in favour of "AAA veteran" start-ups and AI "magic beans"
Star Trek Online executive producer Thomas Marrone criticizes the industry practice of shutting down established development teams in favor of new studios led by "AAA veterans" or relying on emerging technologies like AI. He argues this approach is irresponsible and self-sabotaging, highlighting that successful studios like Larian and Blizzard often achieve breakthroughs after multiple titles and years of team collaboration. Marrone suggests that publishers prioritizing short-term financial gains should exit game development entirely.
MMO Week in Review: Funcom’s folly
Funcom has confirmed significant layoffs and the stepping down of its CEO as part of a restructuring effort. The company will now focus on its existing titles, Dune: Awakening and Conan Exiles. This news comes amidst a broader week of MMO updates, including RuneScape halting its Reignited plans and Enshrouded launching its 1.0 release.
Hunt or Be Haunted is Cryptic’s new upcoming asymmetrical multiplayer spook-em-up
Cryptic Studios has announced Hunt or Be Haunted, an upcoming asymmetrical multiplayer horror game. The title will feature 6v1 gameplay where players either investigate paranormal activity as investigators or hunt them as the entity. It will utilize Unreal Engine 5 and offer larger maps and more tools than similar games like Phasmophobia, with playtests available via Discord.
Neverwinter brings in a new battle pass phase and fixes Red Harvest itemization
Neverwinter has activated a new phase of its battle pass, offering free and premium rewards including the Laughing Void artifact and a companion named Pika the Tressym. Additionally, a patch on October 8th addressed itemization issues in Red Harvest and Red Harvest II with various adjustments.
Perfect Ten: Revisiting our last ten ‘Stormiest Future’ winners
This article revisits Massively Overpowered's past predictions for MMORPGs with 'stormy futures,' analyzing the outcomes for games like New World, Cryptic Studios' library, Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, and Star Citizen. Many of the predicted 'stormy' futures materialized, with some games shutting down or facing significant challenges, while others, like World of Warcraft and Cryptic Studios, have shown resilience or recovery.
Neverwinter showcases its next module, teases new race and class, and relaunches its Halloween event
Cryptic Studios has revealed details for Neverwinter's upcoming Module 34, Biting Cold: Sleeping Gods Lie, which will introduce new instances, zones, and a trial. The module is slated for a preview on October 17th and a full launch in mid-November. The showcase also teased the future addition of the Tabaxi race and Druid class, alongside a relaunch of the Harvester of Nightmares Halloween event.
It's me, I am the whale
A player discusses their experience with a limited-time loot box event in Star Trek Online for the game's 60th anniversary. Despite acknowledging the irresponsible spending, the player expresses satisfaction with acquiring the new Constitution Pilot Multi-Mission Cruiser.
Star Trek Online walks players through Spock’s life with September 22’s Rediscovered update
Star Trek Online is releasing the 'Rediscovered' update on September 22 for PC and November 10 for consoles, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Star Trek and focusing on the life of Spock. The update will feature three versions of Spock, including performances by Ethan Peck and Piotr Michael, and archived voice work from Leonard Nimoy. Additionally, the update includes a new episode set in 2409, gifting options, and a new version of the Enterprise.
Neverwinter lays out its roadmap for the remainder of 2026 and into early 2027
Cryptic Studios has released a roadmap detailing plans for Neverwinter through the end of 2026 and into early 2027. Upcoming content includes new events, Module 34 with a new trial and skirmish, and an additional difficulty mode. Future updates in 2027 will focus on an item-level rebalance, class changes, new class roles, UI improvements, and updates to the Reaper challenge.
Star Trek Online promises to showcase the future of the MMORPG on September 8
Cryptic Studios has announced that important news regarding the future of the MMORPG Star Trek Online will be revealed on September 8th via a teaser video. While specific details like time and location are pending, the announcement promises insights into the game's direction. In the meantime, players can participate in ongoing in-game events, including Admiralty Bonus Week, R&D boosts, and the Flagship Celebration event marking 60 years of Star Trek.
Star Trek Online gives a 2015-era Romulan warbird the ‘remastered’ treatment
Cryptic Studios has remastered the D'Khellra warbird battlecruiser for Star Trek Online, updating its model to current visual standards. This remaster is free for existing owners of the ship. Separately, Neverwinter received bug fixes and is preparing for its upcoming Module 33.5, Monoliths of Madness.
Star Trek Online: Undiscovered comes to consoles next week with a ‘reimagined’ Klingon storyline
Star Trek Online: Undiscovered is launching on Xbox and PlayStation on the 28th, featuring a reimagined Klingon storyline and voice acting from Robert Picardo and Lisa LoCicero. This update, which previously released on PC in July, revisits the classic Klingon War era with updated graphics and cutscenes.
After 16 years of exploring the final frontier, Star Trek Online devs are 'trying new things' and 'trying to push the boundaries' of what they can achieve
Star Trek Online is entering a new era with the return of former CEO Jack Emmert and Cryptic Studios' separation from Embracer. The recent 'Undiscovered' update signifies a shift towards trying new things, including remaking old arcs and revamping sector space encounters, aiming to make the game feel more alive and engaging for its players.
STAR TREK ONLINE: UNDISCOVERED IS AVAILABLE NOW ON PC
Arc Games and Cryptic Studios announced that Star Trek Online: Undiscovered, the latest season for the free-to-play MMORPG, is now available on PC and will launch on PlayStation and Xbox consoles on July 29, 2026. This update reimagines the 'The Ultimate Klingon' story arc, featuring actors Robert Picardo and Lisa LoCicero, and introduces new features like Deep Space Encounters and the Undiscovered Event.
Star Trek Online Undiscovered launches today, headlined by Trek’s Robert Picardo and Lisa Locicero
Star Trek Online has launched its new event, Undiscovered, on PC. This update features a reimagined story focusing on the Klingon War, the return of characters Lieutenant Miral Paris (voiced by Lisa Locicero) and The Doctor (voiced by Robert Picardo), and updated graphics and cutscenes. The event aims to secure support for a peace proposal amidst ongoing conflict and a growing Undine threat.
Neverwinter’s Celebration of Lliira returns for the week to promote ‘joy, freedom, and liberty’
The Celebration of Lliira event has returned to the MMORPG Neverwinter, encouraging players to honor the Goddess of Joy, Freedom, and Liberty. Players can participate by completing daily quests and setting off fireworks, earning Tokens of Lliira's Favor for event rewards, including a celestial dragonnel mount. The event runs through Friday, July 10th.
Champions Online’s Nightmare Invasion, Star Trek Online’s freebies, and Neverwinter’s borked patch
Cryptic Studios is running multiple in-game events across its titles in June. Champions Online features the Nightmare Invasion and Qliphothic Bonus Event, while Star Trek Online offers daily freebies during the Festival on Risa. Neverwinter received a patch on June 4th with adjustments to Dungeon Jotunskar and other fixes, though some changes were unintentionally not implemented correctly.
"Nobody's making games for the retired people" – The growing yet underserved market for grey gamers
The video game industry is largely overlooking the growing market of older players, often referred to as 'grey gamers.' Despite an aging global population and increasing numbers of individuals over 40, 50, and 60 playing games, developers are slow to cater to this demographic, who possess disposable income and long-term gaming literacy. Experts suggest a shift in industry mindset is needed to capture this substantial and expanding market, which is currently underserved by game design and marketing efforts.
