MMO veteran Jack Emmert returns as CEO to Cryptic Studios

Emmert promises to "grow" titles like Star Trek Online and Neverwinter Online.

MMO veteran and former Cryptic Studios CEO, Jack Emmert, has returned to the very role he left back in 2016, now promising to “grow” titles like Star Trek Online thanks to new ownership of both Cryptic Studios and publisher Arc Games.

Both Cryptic and Arc were acquired from Embracer Group by Project Golden Arc back in November of last year.

Emmert co-founded Cryptic Studios back in 2000, working on titles including City of Heroes, City of Villains, Champions Online, Neverwinter, and Star Trek Online. He was appointed as studio COO in 2010, then CEO in 2011. He finally departed Cryptic in 2016, moving over to Daybreak Games to work on further MMOs including DC Universe Online, Lord of the Rings Online, and Dungeons & Dragons Online.

“These titles have collectively reached more than 32.2 million players worldwide, generating over 1.47 billion hours of total playtime,” reads a press release from Arc Games. “Star Trek Online alone has drawn over 7.7 million players since its launch — a testament to the long‑lasting appeal Cryptic Studios’ games have maintained within one of gaming’s most competitive genres.”

“Arc has given us the support needed in order not just to maintain our games, but also grow them,” Emmert said in an introductory video, which can be viewed above. “In fact, our teams today are bigger than when I left. If you’re a current player, thank you and I’ll see you in game sometime. And if you’ve once played one of our games and are curious about what’s new, come on back. Let’s relearn the magic together.”

“Few people in this industry have had the kind of impact that Jack has had, especially on the MMOs we brought into the world together – games that still resonate with fans today,” added Yoon Im, CEO of Arc Games. “His return marks an important and major chapter not just for Cryptic and for all of us at Arc Games, but for the future of what’s possible in online gaming. We’re thrilled to have him back and excited to partner with him as he leads the Cryptic into its next era.”

As part of his new (old) role, Emmert will offer the chance for players to connect with him in three major events next week, as follows:

• A live Q&A livestream on Cryptic Studios’ Twitch channel from 6.00 am AEDT on 4 February (check your own timezone here)
• A Reddit AMA on the Neverwinter subreddit from 4.00 am AEDT Time on 5 February (check your own timezone here)
• A final Reddit AMA on the Star Trek Online subreddit from 6.00 am AEDT on 5 February (check your own timezone here)

Star Trek Online is free-to-play and currently available on Windows PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox One, and PS4.