Jack Emmert and John Layman of Cryptic Studios

Ten Ton Hammer met up with Cryptic’s Chief Creative Officer Jack Emmert, (former Marvel writer), and John Layman,with numerous Marvel and video game writing credits to his name, to discuss Cryptic Studios, MMOs and working with the Marvel IP.

Emmert and Layman enthusiastically relate the details of Cryptic Studios’ new location and new publisher. They also bemoan the “stupid money” that plagues the MMO industry. There are “millions of dollars thrown at unproven development studios with half-baked game concepts by venture capitalists who, in-turn, expect astronomical, World of Warcraft-like subscription numbers.” These disappointed investors are reluctant to invest in new ideas after being burned by companies putting out poorly designed games or canceling projects altogether. Cryptic has maintained high standards of quality and has managed to actually benefit from this trend.

On the subject of Marvel Universe things are still very secretive. However Ten Ton was assured that Marvel is the successor of City of Heroes and City of Villains only in that Cryptic has taken what they’ve learned from those games to create the best MMO possible. Emmert denies any problems for Cryptic dealing with licensing the Marvel IP.

John Layman finished the thought by outlining Cryptic’s strategy: “If you stay respect the property, the fans, and stay true to the characters, you’ll have a much easier time getting through the approval process.”