Cryptic Studios
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3 years after a $2 billion implosion, studio closures, and cancellations, Embracer's new CEO hopes 'trust is…
Embracer Group CEO Phil Rogers expressed hope for improving trust in the company despite a period of significant restructuring, studio closures, and cancellations. The company has undergone multiple reorganizations and asset sales, including the sale of Gearbox and the closure of Arc Games and Cryptic Studios. Rogers acknowledged the industry's challenges and stated that Embracer is focused on resetting and improving its position, with potential for future mergers and acquisitions guided by past learnings.
After outliving 6 Star Trek TV shows, Star Trek Online deserves more love
Star Trek Online, launched in 2010, continues to thrive as a free-to-play MMO despite the conclusion of multiple Star Trek television series. The game, now published by Arc Games and developed by Cryptic Studios, offers a vast amount of content for fans, including numerous ships and storylines that span the Star Trek universe. With the return of CEO Jack Emmert, there's a renewed focus on player engagement and potential for future growth.
MMOs don't need 'to be 200 hours of unique content' at launch, says industry vet
MMO design veteran Jack Emmert argues that new Massively Multiplayer Online games do not need to launch with an excessive amount of unique content. He suggests that focusing on a strong core experience and a committed live team allows for organic growth based on player desires, contrasting this with the current industry trend of over-scoping.
'People want MMOs', says veteran designer Jack Emmert, it's the publishers chasing WoW-level scope that…
Veteran designer Jack Emmert believes players still want MMOs, citing the sales of New World as proof, but argues that publishers' pursuit of WoW-level scope and budget leads to failure. He suggests that a more focused vision and reasonable expectations are key to creating successful new MMOs, rather than trying to replicate existing giants.
Cryptic’s Jack Emmert on hungry MMO fans and games that are ‘basically features, but without any soul’
Cryptic Studios' Jack Emmert believes the MMORPG genre still has a strong audience, citing games like New World and World of Warcraft. He argues that many new MMORPGs fail due to a lack of focused design, resulting in "features without any soul" and bloated budgets, which publishers often push for.
Evening Interviews
Cryptic Studios head Jack Emmert stated that the success of New World indicates a strong demand for MMORPGs, suggesting the genre is ready for innovation. The article also touches on Josh Sawyer's journey into the gaming industry.
"People want MMOs, and the sales of New World proved it" – Cryptic Studios head Jack Emmert on why MMOs are ripe for reinvention
Cryptic Studios CEO Jack Emmert believes the MMORPG market is still strong, citing the sales of New World as proof, despite recent cancellations. He argues that successful MMOs should focus on a distinct vision and niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone, which often leads to diluted experiences. Emmert also emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping and controlled scope for long-term success in the genre.
Star Trek Online creates a ‘watch list’ to help you track upcoming patches
Star Trek Online studio Cryptic Studios has launched a new 'Watch List' page to inform players about upcoming patches and projects. This initiative aims to increase player awareness of potential game changes, such as buffs or nerfs to consoles, weapons, and abilities like the Boimler Effect, allowing for more informed gameplay decisions.
Former Embracer CEO says Fellowship Entertainment spin-off is the "most effective long-term solution"
Embracer Group's former CEO Lars Wingefors has stated that spinning off Fellowship Entertainment is the most effective long-term solution for its undervalued intellectual properties. The new entity will focus on IPs like Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Tomb Raider, and Lord of the Rings, aiming for industry-leading profitability and organic growth. This move is part of Embracer's broader restructuring efforts following significant layoffs and asset sales.
Neverwinter’s Module 33 Biting Cold is live today with a new zone, heroics, dungeon, and battlepass
Cryptic Studios and Arc Games have launched Neverwinter's Module 33, titled Biting Cold, for PC. This update introduces a new glacial zone called Reghed Edge, six heroic encounters, a new dungeon with three bosses, and a battle pass. The module also features new gear, environmental effects, and survival elements.
JOURNEY TO THE NORTH IN NEVERWINTER: BITING COLD, NOW AVAILABLE ON PC, PLAYSTATION AND XBOX
Arc Games and Cryptic Studios have released Biting Cold, the 33rd module for the free-to-play Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG Neverwinter. Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, the module introduces a new Adventure Zone called Reghed Edge, a new dungeon named Jotunskar, and new Heroic Encounters set in the northern lands of Icewind Dale.
Champions Online’s tiny community is in an uproar over the furious exit of top content creators
Champions Online is experiencing community turmoil following the return of a former lead developer and the subsequent departure of key content creators. Players are upset over perceived changes to game mechanics and moderation practices on Discord. Arc Games community manager Mikey Fatum addressed concerns, stating the goal is to build upon previous work and maintain a respectful community space.
Star Trek Online’s latest patch fixes pistol and boss issues on PC and console after all
Star Trek Online's latest patch, initially planned for a later release on Xbox, has been deployed to both PC and console players. The update addresses issues with the MACO Phase Pistol's alt-fire, a spawning problem with muHwi', and a bug that allowed the Crystalline Entity to be killed before completing its absorption/release phases.
Neverwinter dates Biting Cold module release, extends quick start promotion
Cryptic Studios announced that Neverwinter's Module 33: Biting Cold will be released on May 19th. The studio is also extending its Quick Start event through May 26th, allowing new players to choose a pre-built level 20 character. The Biting Cold update introduces a new adventure zone, mechanics, encounters, and a dungeon.
Neverwinter gears up for Module 33 while explaining the allure of Sir Waddlelot
Cryptic Studios is preparing for the release of Neverwinter's Module 33: Biting Cold on May 27th, detailing the development process behind the new penguin adventurer, Sir Waddlelot. The update will also introduce 11 new music tracks, including one for player-versus-player combat.
MMO Week in Review: Evercold, Aion 2, and EQ Legends
This week in the MMORPG genre saw the reveal of Final Fantasy XIV's 'Evercold' expansion for January 2027, alongside confirmations for Aion 2's global launch this year. Several other titles like Embers of the Uncrowned, RF Online Next, Palia, EverQuest Legends, and Loftia also had significant updates or beta launches.
Champions Online gives away free level 30 characters, hosts a costume contest this Friday
Cryptic Studios is hosting a "Quick Start" event for Champions Online, offering players a free level 30 Archetype hero that can be kept permanently. The event runs until May 21st, and players who reach level 40 will receive a freeform character slot. Additionally, an "Unconventional Heroes" costume contest will be streamed live on Twitch this Friday.
Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online Add Headstarts
Cryptic Studios has announced a new "Quick Start" event for its MMORPGs Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online. The event celebrates the return of veteran developer Jack Emmert and aims to provide players with a faster start in the games.
CRYPTIC STUDIOS LAUNCHES “QUICK START” EVENT FOR ALL PLAYERS, UNVEILS CONTENT ROADMAPS & NEW PARTNERSHIP
Cryptic Studios has launched a "Quick Start" event across its MMOs, including Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, allowing all players to claim a permanent high-level character to accelerate progress. The studio also revealed 2026 content roadmaps for Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, and announced a partnership with Beadle & Grimm's for a Star Trek Games Kickstarter campaign.
Interview: Neverwinter’s 2026 roadmap, Quick Start event, and Randy Mosiondz chat
Cryptic Studios Creative Director Randy Mosiondz discusses Neverwinter's 2026 roadmap, including upcoming content, class improvements, and a new Quick Start event offering free endgame characters. Mosiondz also touches on modernizing the game, revisiting older ideas, and the challenges of balancing modernization with the game's identity.