Atari to divest interest in Cryptic Studios

[Tach Deneva]

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/3470 ... tudios.php

'As part of an earnings report today, Atari announced it has divested its interest in Champions Online developer Cryptic Studios, calling the development house a "discontinued operation" as of March 31.

'Atari will continue to support all current Cryptic products while the publisher looks to sell the studio, Gamasutra understands. Development on the Bay Area studio's Neverwinter project will continue as normal for the time being.

'"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," Atari wrote in justifying the move.

'The studio, which recently took Champions Online free-to-play, showed a €5.3 million ($7.5 million) loss for the 2010/11 fiscal year, up from a loss of €12.6 million ($17.9 million) the previous year.

'Founded in 2000, Cryptic is well known for its City of Heroes/Villains and Star Trek Online MMOs. The studio has been part of Atari since a 2008 acquisition.'

[Buffalo Six]

wonderful

[Hammer]

what happens with STO then?

[Tach Deneva]

Cryptic insists that "All is well." but no one really knows yet. Some people on the STO forums (not Cryptic employees, just players) seem to think that more information may be forthcoming early in June.

Whoever buys Cryptic may have to renegotiate the Star Trek license with CBS.
If no one buys Cryptic, Atari and Cryptic might go down in flames together.

[Ghost]

Well that sucks. Hope STO dose not go down in flames.

[Tach Deneva]

China-based online game developer and operator 'Perfect World' and Atari Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Cryptic Studios --

'“With the acquisition by Perfect World, Cryptic has found a strong platform for continued expansion into free to play business model and growth in the global marketplace,” said Jim Wilson, CEO of Atari.

Break out your wallet and Click Here for details.