News

Atari drops Cryptic Studios
Posted: 18.05.2011 05:45 by JonahFalcon Comments: 5
Atari is "divesting" itself of Champions Online developer Cryptic Studios, according to Atari's financial report, calling the developer a "discontinued operation" as of March 31. Atari will shop the developer around to interested parties.

Atari's financial report stated, "In line with the previously stated strategy of fewer but more profitable releases and further expansion into casual online and mobile games, the Company has determined that external development creates more flexibility in the changing marketplace."

According to Gamasutra, Atari will continue to support all current Cryptic products like Champions Online and Star Trek Online, while the publisher looks to sell the studio and development on the Bay Area studio's Neverwinter project will continue as normal for the time being.

A Cryptic employee 'WishStone' also reported regarding the uncertain future, "Right now I have no further details other than what has been mentioned elsewhere. Support for Champions Online and Star Trek Online will be continuing as normal, our staff is working hard on their projects... and there are no planned changes to the way any of our games and projects will operate."
Source: Gamasutra

Comments

By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on May 18, 2011
herodotus
I've not renewed my "STO" sub for a month, so I might now leave it a bit longer and see what happens.
By djole381 (SI Elite) on May 18, 2011
djole381
It would be a shame if "STO" died because of this.
By PowerJack (SI Elite) on May 18, 2011
PowerJack
Meh...
By neilmike (SI Core) on May 19, 2011
neilmike
too right, i really loathe MMO online games only..the company should've involved the single player campaign as well..
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on May 19, 2011
herodotus
This from WhishStone, one of the Community Reps on the STO Forums:

"The headline is chosen a little unfortunate by the colleagues at Gamasutra and makes it sound like we're a kicked puppy standing in the rain. That's not the case.
Right now I have no further details other than what has been mentioned elsewhere. Support for Champions Online and Star Trek Online will be continuing as normal, our staff is working hard on their projects (and the folks from the Champions team deserve an extra cheer for their new stuff by the way) and there are no planned changes to the way any of our games and projects will operate.
So Stormy is here, I am here, Dan and the gang are here, your GMs and QA staff are working hard. It sounds way more dramatic than it actually is."