In the latest Star Trek Online "Meet the Team" Installment, Combat Systems Designer Steve Nicks shares a little about himself and his work on the STO project. Learn all important things such as "Which is cooler: monkeys, robots, pirates, or ninjas?" or find out what exactly a Combat System Designer does.

What do you do on Star Trek Online?

I am a combat systems designer for STO. My main responsibility has been developing player powers and skill progression, along with their bridge crew. Ultimately, my goal is to make sure that players are provided with fun and interesting game play decisions and build systems to reward those choices.

How long have you worked in gaming, and what did you do before Star Trek Online?

I've been a designer in the game industry for almost 13 years now, working for giants like EA as well as small, one project developers. Just prior to joining Cryptic, I was the Creative Director at Punch Entertainment developing the games 'Reign of Swords' and 'EGO'.

Who is your favorite Star Trek character and why?

Captain Picard. Through various episodes you get to witness the full spectrum of a career Starfleet officer; a brash young bar-brawling officer, first experiences as a captain, family relationships back on Earth, commander of the fleet's flagship, and diplomat for the Federation. You see more than his personal story, but the embodiment of life in Starfleet.

Read more about Steve Nicks on the official Star Trek Online website!