Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern day MMOs, Emmert previously led Cryptic Studios through its most groundbreaking era with the releases of fan-favorite MMORPGs, Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online, and helped create several of the most successful massively multiplayer online worlds in gaming history.
Across the aforementioned Cryptic Studios MMORPGs Emmert has led and helped develop, these titles have collectively reached more than 32.2 million players worldwide, generating over 1.47 billion hours of total playtime. Star Trek Online alone has drawn over 7.7 million players since its launch -- a testament to the long‑lasting appeal Cryptic Studios’ games have maintained within one of gaming’s most competitive genres.
With his return to Cryptic Studios, Emmert is determined to recapture the spirit and ambition that once made the studio a genre-defining force, while rebuilding its portfolio of games for a new generation of players. Emmert’s vision for the long-running studio is to honor its legacy and restore the studio to its full potential, create unforgettable experiences for gamers, and drive the team forward with the dedication and effort needed to deliver exceptional worlds for players around the world to explore.
To re-connect directly with the community, Cryptic Studios will host a live Q&A livestream with Jack Emmert via Cryptic Studios’ Twitch channel next Tuesday, February 3 at 11:00am Pacific Time giving players a chance to hear more about his vision for the studio’s future. Additionally, he’ll be participating in a Reddit AMA on Neverwinter’s subreddit (r/Neverwinter) starting next Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00am Pacific Time and on Star Trek Online’s subreddit (r/STO) the same day, February 4 at 11:00am Pacific Time, inviting fans of both titles to ask questions, share feedback and engage in an open discussion about the road ahead. These community-focused opportunities are just one-way Emmert plans to re-engage with fans to get their feedback to help shape the evolution of Cryptic Studios.
“Coming back to Cryptic feels like coming home in a way,” said Jack Emmert, returning CEO of Cryptic Studios. “Cryptic’s incredible games have always been more than projects to me -- they’re living, unforgettable worlds that I loved helping create alongside players and our team. Coming back to these worlds feels like revisiting old friends and rediscovering the spark that inspired us from the beginning. I’m profoundly thankful to return to the studio I helped build, and that has always held a special place in my heart. Now, I’m eager to guide it into a new era defined by creativity, ambition, and renewed purpose. I’m excited to bring new ideas that honor our past while evolving the studio like never before!”
“Few people in this industry have had the kind of impact that Jack has had, especially on the MMOs we brought into the world together – games that still resonate with fans today,” said Yoon Im, CEO of Arc Games. “His return marks an important and major chapter not just for Cryptic and for all of us at Arc Games, but for the future of what’s possible in online gaming. We're thrilled to have him back and excited to partner with him as he leads the Cryptic into its next era.”
During Emmert’s earlier tenure, Cryptic Studios launched and expanded MMOs that reshaped the video game industry, set new standards for worldbuilding within MMOs, and attracted millions of players worldwide. His leadership was marked by a commitment to innovation, player‑driven design, and long‑term worldbuilding -- values that remain central to the company’s identity. As CEO of Cryptic Studios, Emmert will oversee the studio’s existing portfolio of live service games and lead the future of the studio, including new projects.
“Cryptic Studios has always been defined by deep worldbuilding, incredible player experiences, and a commitment to raising the bar for what’s possible in massive worlds,” returning CEO Jack Emmert added. “We’re ready to push those boundaries again.”