Cryptic Studios has announced that it has lost another member today with the departure of the now former CEO John Needham, who exited the company to pursue other opportunities in the gaming industry. Stepping up to fill the vacated position is Cryptic veteran Jack Emmert.

Needham is the latest departure from Cryptic, who already lost Bill Roper and Craig Zinkievich last year. But despite Needham's departure, Emmert has stated that Cryptic's vision remains clear and the company will continue to meet its goals.


JACK EMMERT APPOINTED CEO OF CRYPTIC STUDIOS

CRYPTIC VETERAN TO HEAD ACCLAIMED STUDIO AND REPLACE DEPARTING CEO, JOHN NEEDHAM

(London, United Kingdom) March 9, 2011 – Atari Europe, one of the world's most recognised publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, and Cryptic Studios, the creators of City of Heroes, Champions Online: Free for All, Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, announced today the appointment of Jack Emmert, once COO of Cryptic Studios, to the position of CEO. John Needham, Cryptic's former CEO, has chosen to depart the company to pursue other opportunities within the games industry.

"It's been a privilege and a pleasure to work with Cryptic these past several years," said John Needham, former CEO, Cryptic Studios. "It's with a heavy heart that I now depart this company we've all worked so tirelessly to grow. We've done so very much together – two successful MMO launches, The Foundry and a successful free-to-play transition for Champions Online. I'm thankful for my time here and for all that we've accomplished."

"As a colleague, I am sad to see John go, but our vision remains clear," said Jack Emmert, CEO, Cryptic Studios. "Cryptic continues to develop great gaming experiences while ensuring the success of its current projects, Champions Online: Free for All, Star Trek Online and Neverwinter. I co-founded this company and am extremely proud of everything our teams have achieved. We will continue to set high goals for ourselves and under my leadership we will continue to meet them."

Cryptic veteran Jack Emmert has already begun fulfilling his duties as CEO, reporting directly to Jim Wilson, CEO, Atari.

Cryptic Studios would like to wish John Needham the best of luck in all his endeavors. John served Cryptic admirably and will be missed.

To learn more about Cryptic Studios, please visit: www.crypticstudios.com

About ATARI, SA

Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment.  Atari's brands and content are available across all key traditional and digital distribution touch points, including browser-based and social online platforms, PC, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone, Android and RIM devices).

Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.  Atari benefits from the strength of its worldwide brand and its extensive catalogue of contemporary classic game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Backyard Sports®, Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek™ Online, Champions™) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters®, Rollercoaster Tycoon®, Dungeons and Dragons®). Atari also leverages the power of its franchises to deliver movies and merchandise to consumers around the world.

For more information, please visit: www.atari.com

© 2011 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Cryptic Studios

Based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of role-playing and massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Cryptic is responsible for developing several AAA titles, including Star Trek Online, Champions Online, City of Heroes, City of Villains and Neverwinter. For more information about Cryptic Studios, please visit the official website: www.crypticstudios.com


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Last Updated: Mar 13, 2016

About The Author

Stacy "Martuk" Jones was a long-time news editor and community manager for many of our previous game sites, such as Age of Conan. Stacy has since moved on to become a masked super hero, battling demons in another dimension.

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