If you’ve been around since the beginning of Star Trek Online’s adventure, then this name might ring a bell. Jack Emmert, the visionary MMO pioneer and video game founder, officially returns as the CEO of Cryptic Studios. Emmert is widely regarded as one of the architects of modern-day MMOs. For example, he previously led Cryptic Studios through its groundbreaking era of releases, including Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and more.
With his return to Cryptic Studios, Emmert is determined to recapture the spirit and
ambition that once made the studio a genre-defining force. Emmert’s vision for the long-running studio is to honour its legacy, restore it to its full potential, create unforgettable experiences for gamers, and drive the team forward with the dedication and effort needed to deliver exceptional worlds for players worldwide to explore.
Trek Central’s Jack sat down with CEO Jack Emmert to discuss what his return means for players of Star Trek Online. Additionally, they discussed recent ownership and development changes at STO, including moving away from DECA Games and more.
Jack Emmert On Returning To Cryptic
Emmert previously left Cryptic Studios in 2016. He would go on to hold leadership positions while working on other notable MMOs, including DC Universe Online, Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons, and the EverQuest series. After 10 years of going on his own adventures and with the incredible support of Arc Games, in January 2026, he decided to return to Cryptic Studios as CEO. With his return to Cryptic Studios, Jack will oversee the studio’s existing portfolio of live service games and lead the future of the studio, including new projects.
Coming back to Cryptic feels like coming home in a way,” said Jack Emmert, returning CEO of Cryptic Studios. “Cryptic’s incredible games have always been more than projects to me — they’re living, unforgettable worlds that I loved helping create alongside players and our team. Coming back to these worlds feels like revisiting old friends and rediscovering the spark that inspired us from the beginning. I’m profoundly thankful to return to the studio I helped build, and that has always held a special place in my heart. Now, I’m eager to guide it into a new era defined by creativity, ambition, and renewed purpose. I’m excited to bring new ideas that honor our past while evolving the studio like never before!
Connecting with the Community
To re-connect directly with the community, Cryptic Studios will host a live Q&A livestream with Jack Emmert via Cryptic Studios’ Twitch channel next Tuesday, February 3, at 11:00 am Pacific Time, giving players a chance to hear more about his vision for the studio’s future.
Additionally, he’ll be participating in a Reddit AMA on Neverwinter’s subreddit (r/Neverwinter) starting next Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00 am Pacific Time and on Star Trek Online’s subreddit (r/STO) the same day, February 4 at 11:00 am Pacific Time, inviting fans of both titles to ask questions, share feedback and engage in an open discussion about the road ahead.
These community-focused opportunities are just one way Emmert plans to re-engage with fans to get their feedback to help shape the evolution of Cryptic Studios.
Star Trek Online is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game that allows players to explore the Star Trek universe from within. Players can forge their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship, champion the Empire through the far reaches of the galaxy as a Klingon Warrior, rebuild the Romulan legacy as the commander of a Romulan Republic Warbird or carry out daring missions on behalf of the Dominion as a Jem’Hadar soldier.
Captains can also explore iconic locations from the Star Trek universe, make contact with new alien species and battle alongside other players in customizable starships. Star Trek Online is currently available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
To download and play Star Trek Online today for free, visit www.playstartrekonline.com.
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