The Okudas have more than 20 years of experience with the popular science-fiction franchise and collaborate with Gameforge by providing their expertise regarding visual elements and technical data. They will also design logos for the games and assure consistency with Star Trek timelines and canon.

Michael and Denise Okuda have been professionally involved with the Star Trek franchise since the 1980s; Michael served as a graphic designer and technical consultant starting with 1987's Star Trek: The Next Generation®to Star Trek: Enterprise™and several movies. Denise has also been deeply entrenched in the popular series for many years. She was a video and computer playback supervisor on numerous Star Trek television shows as well as several of the accompanying movies. Together, Michael and Denise authored The Star Trek Encyclopedia, considered by many to be the foremost authority on Star Trek lore and technology.

"The most exciting time in any Star Trek project is at the very beginning, when the concepts and designs are developed," said Michael Okuda. "We are having a great time working with the innovative team at Gameforge on these new chapters in the Star Trek saga."

"Gameforge is working hard to capture the authentic look-and-feel of the Star Trek universe and they understand the sense of fun that is so important to Star Trek's core," added Denise Okuda. "They are dedicated to interweaving the joy of exploration, of discovery, of going boldly, where no one has gone before into their games."

"We knew first off that in order to make great Star Trek games that we had to enlist some of the foremost Star Trek authorities. Denise and Michael are a tremendous asset to us in making these casual games," said Ralf Adam, VP of Publishing at Gameforge. "Having such great Star Trek icons as contributors to our games will help us in our goal of creating a Star Trek experience that fans and gamers can be proud of."

The Star Trek universe has entertained millions around the world for decades and boasts one of the most loyal and dedicated fan bases in popular culture. As Gameforge works to bring the storied classic franchise to life as a free-to-play casual browser game for players around the globe, Denise and Michael Okuda will be working with Gameforge to ensure a fun and engaging Star Trek experience.

The Web-based casual browser and Facebook Star Trek games by Gameforge are scheduled for release in 2011.