Cryptic Studios
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2000
- Employees
- 51-200
- Offices
- 1
About Cryptic Studios
Cryptic Studios is an American game developer specializing in persistent-world massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Founded in June 2000 and headquartered in Los Gatos, California, the studio combines game design, engineering, art production and ongoing live operations. Its work includes original superhero settings and adaptations of established entertainment properties, with games released for PC and consoles.
The studio’s early releases included City of Heroes in 2004 and its companion expansion, City of Villains, in 2005. It subsequently developed Champions Online in 2009, Star Trek Online in 2010 and Neverwinter in 2013. These projects form the core of its long-running MMORPG portfolio. Cryptic also developed Magic: Legends, which entered PC open beta in 2021 before being discontinued.
Development and live operations
Cryptic’s capabilities span full-cycle game development and the continuing work required to maintain online worlds. Its teams handle game systems and economy design, multiplayer networking, server infrastructure, character creation, animation and environment production. Narrative worldbuilding and licensed intellectual property adaptation are also central to its work.
Alongside initial development, the studio provides ongoing engineering, content expansions, community support and live-event operations. Its portfolio includes PC releases and console versions of Star Trek Online and Neverwinter for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This combination of development and continuing operations supports games that evolve through successive content releases.
Company history
Cryptic began as an independent business before Atari acquired it in 2008. Perfect World Entertainment acquired the studio in 2011, followed by Embracer Group in 2021. During its Embracer ownership, Cryptic operated within the Gearbox Entertainment and later DECA Games groups.
In late 2025, Cryptic and publishing affiliate Arc Games moved under Project Golden Arc, Inc., through a management-led transaction financed by XD Inc. Cryptic remains an active, distinct development studio, while Arc Games handles publishing and commercial operations for its MMORPG portfolio.
More about Cryptic Studios
Leadership and founders
Jack Emmert returned as CEO in January 2026. The report also identifies Al Rivera as Creative Director, Thomas Marrone as Art Director, Karin Churchill as Director of HR and Jarrod Fisher as Development Director.
The founding team comprised Michael Lewis, Rick Dakan, Bruce Rogers, Cameron Petty and Jack Emmert.
Technology and working practices
The studio uses its proprietary Cryptic Engine and internal Cryptic AR animation pipelines, alongside tools including Unreal Engine 5 and Incredibuild.
Cryptic describes its operating model as flexible and remote-first, with a distributed workforce across North America supported by its physical headquarters.
Portfolio reach
The report attributes more than 32.2 million registered players and more than 1.47 billion aggregate hours of play to Champions Online, Star Trek Online and Neverwinter collectively.
Notable credits
6 creditsOffices
Current and former locations of Cryptic Studios
- 980 University Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95032-7620, USALos Gatos, California, United States
Los Gatos office
HeadquartersOverall studio headquarters, anchoring corporate management, core studio operations and sound production facilities.
- Seattle, Washington, United States
Cryptic North
Former officeOpened 2013
About this office
Historical satellite office established from former Flying Lab Software staff to assist with Champions Online and unannounced projects. Subsequently consolidated into the main studio and closed.
Open roles
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