Cryptic Studios
Cryptic Studios business and news from across the web.- Neverwinter gears up for Module 33 while explaining the allure of Sir WaddlelotCryptic 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 LegendsThis 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 FridayCryptic 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 HeadstartsCryptic 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 PARTNERSHIPCryptic 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 chatCryptic 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.
- Interview: Star Trek Online’s 2026 roadmap, Quick Start event, and Thomas Marrone chatCryptic Studios Executive Producer Thomas Marrone discussed Star Trek Online's roadmap for 2026, including new starship releases and potential updates to the Fleet system. The interview also touched on the game's influence on official Star Trek canon and efforts to improve server performance and player experience.
- MMO Week in Review: EQ Legends’ beta, Ashes of Creation’s dramaThis week's MMO news roundup covers the upcoming closed beta for EverQuest Legends and ongoing legal drama surrounding Ashes of Creation. Several other titles like AdventureQuest Worlds Infinity, Dune Awakening, and Temtem Pioneers also saw significant updates or funding news.
- Cryptic Studios Welcomes Back More MMORPG VeteransCryptic Studios has announced the return of several veteran developers to the company. These developers had previously worked at Cryptic Studios before moving on to other ventures.
Cryptic Studios Welcomes Back More MMORPG VeteransCryptic Studios has reportedly welcomed back several veteran employees to work on its MMORPG projects. The article touches on broader industry issues regarding workplace toxicity and the difficulty of obtaining the full story in such situations.- Cryptic Studios rehires a trio of Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online devsCryptic Studios and Arc Games have announced the return of veteran developers Landon Falls, Randy Mosiondz, and Julia Sprenz. These former staffers will take on leadership roles for Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online, respectively. This move follows the recent appointment of Jack Emmert as CEO and signals a renewed focus on the studio's long-running MMORPG titles.
- Neverwinter, Star Trek Online and Champions Online veterans have rejoined Cryptic StudiosVeterans from Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online have returned to Cryptic Studios. The MMO developer aims to combine its legacy expertise with new perspectives.
Neverwinter, Star Trek Online and Champions Online veterans have rejoined Cryptic StudiosEidos Montreal has laid off 124 employees, with studio head David Anfossi also departing. This news follows reports of veterans from Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online rejoining Cryptic Studios.- Business and FinanceVeterans from Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and Champions Online have returned to Cryptic Studios. Separately, VR developer Polyarc Games is reportedly undergoing layoffs, with an unspecified number of employees affected.
- Champions Online sheds a pair of devs but keeps its events and sales rolling onChampions Online has seen two developers depart, with one moving to Neverwinter. The MMORPG continues to receive updates focused on in-game sales and events, including a rerun of the Therakiel Alerts. Despite developer departures, Cryptic Studios maintains that Champions Online remains a key part of their operations.
Star Trek MMO Documentary Explores Federation’s Origins | Console CreaturesTo celebrate its 16th anniversary, Cryptic Studios' Star Trek Online has released a new trailer and an "Enterprise" bundle for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players. The bundle honors Star Trek: Enterprise's 25th and Star Trek's 60th anniversaries, featuring exclusive ships and gear inspired by the franchise's history.- Cozy Puzzle Adventure Escape the Baby Alarm Steam Demo LiveA demo for the cozy puzzle adventure game Escape the Baby Alarm, focusing on the joys and chaos of early parenthood, is now available on Steam. The game features escape-room inspired challenges and aims to offer a calm and playable experience. The title is also planned for release on mobile devices.
- Dimensional Double Shift Sporelando Expansion Launching April 23Owlchemy Labs is launching the Sporelando expansion for its VR title Dimensional Double Shift on April 23 for Meta Quest and Android XR. The expansion introduces a new suburban swamp setting where players control sentient fungi and engage in tasks like repairing bio-mechanical golf carts and serving local cuisine. CEO Andrew Eiche stated the dimension was inspired by the concept of 'Florida Man' being a sentient mushroom, blending the mundane with the absurd for chaotic co-op gameplay.
- Dollar Shave Club x Call of Duty: Warzone “Shave Off” Happening TodayCall of Duty: Warzone is collaborating with Dollar Shave Club for a live "Shave Off" event featuring streamers, with the loser shaving their beard. The event supports the Call of Duty Endowment, with Dollar Shave Club matching donations and providing razors to veterans. The article also briefly mentions upcoming releases and events for MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, Star Trek Online, Golden Tides, Crimson Desert, Apex Legends, and Dread Delusion.
- Star Trek Online celebrates Enterprise’s anniversary with a docu-trailer and period starshipsStar Trek Online is celebrating multiple anniversaries, including Star Trek's 60th, Star Trek: Enterprise's 25th, and its own 16th. To commemorate, Cryptic Studios and Arc Games have released a documentary-style trailer detailing the Federation's origins and introduced new period-inspired starships for PC players, with console releases following on April 7th.