Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Captain's Log Supplemental: An Exclusive Q&A with STO's Daniel Stahl]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-qanda-with-stos-daniel-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-qanda-with-stos-daniel-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-qanda-with-stos-daniel-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

STO LoR Logo Header
After months of waiting, we can finally say that Star Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion is upon us! After yesterday's launch, it's now possible to play as a member of the new Romulan Republic faction. It's now possible to begin a Klingon faction character from level 1! There's a new adventure zone and a completely overhauled user interface.

We recently had the opportunity to ask Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl, some questions regarding the update. We were also given a lot of screenshots of the new material, and all are included in the new gallery below. There was a lot to cover, so let's get to it!

Gallery: Star Trek Online Legacy of Romulus

Continue reading Captain's Log Supplemental: An Exclusive Q&A with STO's Daniel Stahl

MassivelyCaptain's Log Supplemental: An Exclusive Q&A with STO's Daniel Stahl originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewskdfklingonklingonsneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweQ Aromulanromulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoWed, 22 May 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Stahl talks Romulan faction alignment and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/star-trek-onlines-stahl-talks-romulan-faction-alignment-and-mor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/star-trek-onlines-stahl-talks-romulan-faction-alignment-and-mor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/star-trek-onlines-stahl-talks-romulan-faction-alignment-and-mor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Star Trek's Stahl talks Romulan faction alignment and more
Star Trek Online producer Dan Stahl sounds off on a variety of expansion-themed topics in the latest Cryptic dev blog featuring a series of questions by Massively's own Terilynn Shull. He devotes a particularly lengthy wall o' text to player concerns about the new Romulan faction being forcibly aligned with either the KDF or the Federation.

"Just like the other two factions, Romulans have exclusive species, costumes, and starships that cannot be used by the other factions," Stahl explains. "While these citizens will start out in old ships they've managed to come by, they'll eventually gain access to new Republic ship designs and, when they've achieved proper rank in the Fleet, famous Romulan Warbirds such as the D'Deridex."

Stahl also clarifies how STO can go about unlocking the new Reman species once the Legacy of Romulus expansion launches. "All accounts will have the ability to unlock the Reman species, which is an exclusive species to the Romulan Republic, in one of two ways: they can either purchase the species unlock, or they can earn it by achieving maximum tier in the Romulan Reputation with a captain of any faction."

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Stahl talks Romulan faction alignment and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlf2pfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweromulan-alignmentromulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoThu, 04 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: A Star Trek Online player uses math]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/captains-log-a-star-trek-online-player-uses-math/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/captains-log-a-star-trek-online-player-uses-math/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/captains-log-a-star-trek-online-player-uses-math/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO De'deridex header
On the heels of last week's revelation that Star Trek Online will be releasing its first ever expansion, Legacy of Romulus, many people were apparently waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop so they could rage when their expectations weren't met. That happened within seconds after the release of a special Ask Cryptic blog written by Executive Producer Daniel Stahl last Friday.

Massively received a tip or two informing us that there was a Thread of Rage on the Star Trek Online forums, one that arose after the Ask Cryptic revealed that characters in the upcoming Romulan faction will be forced to choose to ally with either the Federation or the Klingon Defense Force and share in their fleet capabilities instead of developing fleets of their own.

With the help of my accountant husband, I took on the challenge of dissecting this alleged Thread of Rage to determine how many people really did express feelings of rage, anger, or even disappointment with the news. You might be interested in the results of our analysis. If you are, take the jump!

Continue reading Captain's Log: A Star Trek Online player uses math

MassivelyCaptain's Log: A Star Trek Online player uses math originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlexpansionf2pfeaturedfederationforumforumsfree-to-playkdfklingonslegacy-of-romulusmathopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentposterspweRAGERomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestatisticsstoufpMon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Romulan expansion prompts special Ask Cryptic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/star-trek-onlines-romulan-expansion-prompts-special-ask-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/star-trek-onlines-romulan-expansion-prompts-special-ask-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/star-trek-onlines-romulan-expansion-prompts-special-ask-cryptic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Trek Online's Romulan expansion prompts special Ask Cryptic
Do you have a burning question about Star Trek Online: Legacy of Romulus? Get in line behind pretty much every single STO player, pal. But while your specific query may not reach the ears of top admirals, Executive Producer Daniel Stahl created a special edition of Ask Cryptic devoted to answering the most common questions out there.

So what's included with the Romulan faction? Stahl says that there are three races (one free, one unlockable or purchasable, and one for subscribers only), adding, "The Romulan Republic was created from the ground up as a complete new faction. They have their own backstory, their own exclusive missions and episode series, exclusive costumes, faction-exclusive social hub, unique playable species, a full ship progression line from level 1 to 50, unique HUD UI, and more."

While Romulans will be an independent faction, Stahl explained that these captains will choose to ally with either the Federation or Klingons for the purposes of storylines, PvP, and starbases.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Romulan expansion prompts special Ask Cryptic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticbetacommunity-q-and-acrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlexpansionf2pfactionfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweq-and-aquestions-and-answersremusromulussci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 29 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 234: Star Trek Online interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/massively-speaking-episode-234-star-trek-online-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/massively-speaking-episode-234-star-trek-online-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/massively-speaking-episode-234-star-trek-online-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 234 Star Trek Online interview
It's a very special episode of Massively Speaking, where we learn about puberty and the dangers of drinking! Actually, Teri joins Justin to talk with Star Trek Online's Dan Stahl and Brandon Felczer about the third anniversary of this galactic game. Set phasers to "amused" as we set sail for the podcast frontier!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 234: Star Trek Online interview

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 234: Star Trek Online interview originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaage-of-wulinage-of-wushuarche-agearcheageasiabethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftbrandon-felczerbrantbrianna-roycechinachinesechinese-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdaggerfalldan-stahldaniel-stahlelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesof2pfactionsfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgpotatogvghumorjet-lijustin-olivettikidnappingmartial-artsmassively-speakingming-dynastymorrowindoblivionopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplease-dont-suckpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvppwervrsandboxsandparksci-fiskyrimsnail-gamessnail-games-usastar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpwushuwuxiaxl-gamesxlgameszenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 29 Jan 2013 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 234Massively.com Staff00:53:21podcast<![CDATA[Star Trek Online celebrates two million 'captains']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/star-trek-online-celebrates-two-million-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/star-trek-online-celebrates-two-million-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/star-trek-online-celebrates-two-million-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online celebrates two million players
On the verge of its third anniversary, Star Trek Online has good reason to celebrate. In a state of the game post, Executive Producer Dan Stahl says that the title is growing by leaps and bounds: "You may have noticed that more than two million captains are continuing their voyages in Star Trek Online. With sustained increases in daily participation, the game is richer and more alive than ever before."

Stahl looked back over the accomplishments and milestones of 2012, including Star Trek Online's transition to a free-to-play format.

For the game's third anniversary, the team is releasing a featured episode on Thursday that will have a special reward for those who play it between January 31st and February 14th. The reward will be an Ambassador Class (the Enterprise-C model) for Federation players and the Kamarag Class for Klingon fans.

Stay tuned for an on-air interview with Dan Stahl about STO in tomorrow's episode of Massively Speaking!

MassivelyStar Trek Online celebrates two million 'captains' originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-anniversaryambassador-classanniversarycrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahldev-diaryenterpriseenterprise-cf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentproducers-letterpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestate-of-the-gamestothird-anniversarythree-yearsMon, 28 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online transmits plans for next two seasons, mid-year event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/star-trek-online-transmits-plans-for-next-two-seasons-mid-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/star-trek-online-transmits-plans-for-next-two-seasons-mid-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/star-trek-online-transmits-plans-for-next-two-seasons-mid-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online transmits plans for next two seasons, midyear event
Executive Producer Dan Stahl is hardly shy in tackling the myriad Ask Cryptic questions, and today's Star Trek Online queries proved to be no different for him. While there was a hodge-podge of questions from players, it seemed as though the focus for many was on the future of the game and Season 8 in specific.

Stahl said that Season 8 is due in the first half of the year, possibly in May, although there will be some content arriving this month for the three-year anniversary of the game. He promises that Klingons will "get some love" in Season 8 and hints at the vast wealth of additions coming with the update: "[It] will focus on adding new missions and storyline to the game in the form of a new adventure zone, new episodes, and another big feature, which is yet to be revealed."

Following Season 8, Cryptic will then roll out a mid-year event and Season 9. The mid-year event was compared to the game's current winter event, with the possibility of taking place on Risa.

Stahl is quite pumped for the year in general: "Season 8 and Season 9 are both going to be BIG releases. I'm very much looking forward to them because they represent the first big releases we will have been able to do with the increase to our live team staff."

MassivelyStar Trek Online transmits plans for next two seasons, mid-year event originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcommunity-q-and-acrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahleventf2pfree-to-playin-game-eventkdfklingonperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweq-and-arisasci-fiseason-8season-9star-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestowinter-eventFri, 11 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[December's Ask Cryptic covers Season 8 and the third anniversary of Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/decembers-ask-cryptic-covers-season-8-and-the-third-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/decembers-ask-cryptic-covers-season-8-and-the-third-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/decembers-ask-cryptic-covers-season-8-and-the-third-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

December's Ask Cryptic covers Season 8 and the third anniversary of Star Trek Online
In the latest Ask Cryptic for December, Executive Producer Dan Stahl answers a mountain of questions about Star Trek Online's upcoming third anniversary, Season 8, and more.

Is a customizable UI in the works? Will the Adorian ship come later than January? Is the Voyager bundle coming in Season 8? What's the one thing Stahl would add to the game if it were up to him (wait, it's not?)? These questions and many more are all answered in this month's Q&A.

If you'd like to see your own question be considered for a future Ask Cryptic, keep an eye on the forum board "Federation News Network" for the monthly thread.

MassivelyDecember's Ask Cryptic covers Season 8 and the third anniversary of Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldecemberf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 14 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Star Trek Online tweaks Season Seven]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/captains-log-star-trek-online-tweaks-season-seven/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/captains-log-star-trek-online-tweaks-season-seven/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/captains-log-star-trek-online-tweaks-season-seven/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

STO New Romulus Ground
It's been just over two weeks since Season Seven went live in Star Trek Online, and a lot of tweaks to the new reputation systems have already been implemented. Because of what seems to be low turn-out on the Tribble test servers, the team placed its focus on major performance bug squashing and decided to wait to make changes to the system mechanics until after it could get more solid data from the players on the live (Holodeck) server. Once that information was received, the changes were fast and furious.

Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl, released two blog posts over the course of the last week, outlining not only the alterations to the Season Seven material but also answers players questions in the November Ask Cryptic. Join me as I go over a few of the changes!

Continue reading Captain's Log: Star Trek Online tweaks Season Seven

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Star Trek Online tweaks Season Seven originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask crypticcaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahldilithiumf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playmarksnew romulusopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fiseason-sevenstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestfstostrategic task forcethe-foundryMon, 26 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Reviewing and re-reviewing MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/ask-massively-reviewing-and-re-reviewing-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/ask-massively-reviewing-and-re-reviewing-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/ask-massively-reviewing-and-re-reviewing-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This is pretty much what I think of game reviews.
Back in September, Star Trek Online Producer Daniel Stahl gave an interview that proposed to tell game journalists how to do their jobs. That's only fair; we're always telling developers how to do their jobs, right? Stahl told [a]listdaily,
"The whole game rating business doesn't necessarily do a great justice to MMOs. MMOs are designed to grow over time and get better with every major release. It might be better if sites like Metacritic could find a way to rate MMOs by releases instead of just the initial day one . . . There are plenty of MMOs that have made huge strides since day one and some that have even gotten worse. Until then, we will continue to offer the game for free and ask for people to try it out and decide for themselves."
Quipped Massively reader Matthew12, "If only there were MMO gaming blogs and websites that keep up to date with the MMOs and their updates... oh wait; there are."

Continue reading Ask Massively: Reviewing and re-reviewing MMOs

MassivelyAsk Massively: Reviewing and re-reviewing MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelydan-stahldaniel-stahlfeaturedgame-ratingsgame-reviewgame-reviewshumorimpressionsjournalismmassively-metametametacriticopinionratingratingsreviewreviewsThu, 15 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/captains-log-state-of-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/captains-log-state-of-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/captains-log-state-of-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO Regent Class Header
This week saw the release of a new State of the Game blog from Star Trek Online Executive Producer Daniel Stahl. Much of what he said gave players hope for the future of Star Trek Online, including remarks that the game is "thriving at a time when many MMOs have kicked or are about to kick the bucket." The blog also featured some additional comments about the future of the game and how the company planning for 2013 and beyond.

Join me as I discuss his blog post and the poll results that were generated over the past couple of weeks. I'll also take a look at the future of the game, the expanding STO team, The Foundry, and the Klingon Empire.

Continue reading Captain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosask-crypticcaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playneverwinteropinionparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpwesci-fisotgstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlineState-of-the-gamestoMon, 24 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online producer: Current game ratings don't do MMOs justice]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/star-trek-online-producer-states-current-game-ratings-dont-do-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/star-trek-online-producer-states-current-game-ratings-dont-do-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/star-trek-online-producer-states-current-game-ratings-dont-do-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Trek Online producer states current game ratings don't 'do a great justice to MMOs'
Are launch-day reviews of MMOs accurate over time? Dan Stahl, producer of Star Trek Online, doesn't think so. In a recent interview, Stahl stated that the current method of reviewing MMOs only at initial launch is not truly reflective of a genre that, by design, continually evolves.

Stahl would like to see something that takes a title's major releases into account, stating, "There are plenty of MMOs that have made huge strides since days one and some that have even gotten worse." Until more progressive reviews come along that give players an up-to-date view of games, Stahl's recommendation to players is to try a game out and decide for themselves.

MassivelyStar Trek Online producer: Current game ratings don't do MMOs justice originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosDan-Stahlf2pfree-to-playinterviewperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentprogressive-reviewspwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 24 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online producer says game is 'kicking butt']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/star-trek-online-producer-says-game-is-kicking-butt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/star-trek-online-producer-says-game-is-kicking-butt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/star-trek-online-producer-says-game-is-kicking-butt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online producer says game is 'kicking butt'
Star Trek Online Producer Daniel Stahl isn't beating around the bush about the state of the game. According to him, STO has both purpose and a leg-up on much of the industry.

"When you consider what it takes to run an MMO in today's highly competitive marketplace," Stahl writes, "STO has been kicking some butt. Despite what some may think, we have a deliberate path and long-term goals that we've been tracking quite well against. STO has not only survived, but is thriving at a time when many MMOs have kicked or are about to kick the bucket."

Stahl goes on to rally the troops by citing how much the team has accomplished this year and what its focus is on for November's Season 7 update and beyond. The team's biggest priorities are in enriching the foundry, overhauling PvP, buffing up Klingon content, and a possible Romulan faction.

He also mentioned that Cryptic has hired "great talent" from 38 Studios and Paragon Studios to join the team.

MassivelyStar Trek Online producer says game is 'kicking butt' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfree-to-playkingonsparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweromulanssci-fiseason-7star-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 21 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's Daniel Stahl's Q&A at Raptr]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-daniel-stahls-qanda-at-raptr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-daniel-stahls-qanda-at-raptr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-daniel-stahls-qanda-at-raptr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO Tholian Header
The past week was met with such interesting Star Trek Online news that I'm postponing my advice series: STO launched a formal affiliation with gaming social media site Raptr, and Cryptic Studios' Executive Producer Daniel Stahl spent a majority of the day answering questions posed to him in the site's community threads. Stahl revealed quite a few tasty tidbits of information and even though the thread can be accessed by non-members members (the link is below in the comments section), I am taking the liberty of reporting on some of his responses. Join me after the break to read what's in store for the future of STO.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's Daniel Stahl's Q&A at Raptr

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Star Trek Online's Daniel Stahl's Q&A at Raptr originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playkdfklingonlord-of-the-rings-onlineopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplayable-romulanpweraptrromulansci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Star Trek Online in Las Vegas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/captains-log-star-trek-online-in-las-vegas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/captains-log-star-trek-online-in-las-vegas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/captains-log-star-trek-online-in-las-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

STO Las Vegas Header
This weekend, Massively, along with Trek Radio, hosted the formal Star Trek Online Discussion with the Devs panel at the official Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. And if I judge by the personal feedback received and the unanticipated (yet much appreciated) turn-out from players who attended the panel, all seems to have been very well received. Join me past the jump to learn more about what the STO developers said in response to questions posed by Massively and those in attendance at the convention and on the game's forums.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Star Trek Online in Las Vegas

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Star Trek Online in Las Vegas originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandon-felczercaptains-logcbs-studiosconventioncreation-entertainmentcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahldiscussion-with-the-devsf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playjesse-heiniglas-vegasmark-rademakeropinionpanelperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpriority-onepvppwesci-fiseason-eightseason-sevenseason-sixstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosubspace-radiothe-foundrythomas-marronetrek-radioMon, 13 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic producer: Star Trek Online 'not dying by any means']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/cryptic-producer-star-trek-online-not-dying-by-any-means/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/cryptic-producer-star-trek-online-not-dying-by-any-means/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/cryptic-producer-star-trek-online-not-dying-by-any-means/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cryptic producer Star Trek Online 'not dying by any means'
Cryptic executive producer Dan Stahl has taken to the Star Trek Online forums to provide what he calls "some rumor control."

Much of his lengthy post concerns specific game-related updates and oft-raised player concerns, but the most interesting factoids deal with the game's (and Cryptic's) profitability and performance. "Cryptic was sold because it was a profitable business and worth at least $50 million to Perfect World," Stahl writes. "STO is not dying by any means and continues to grow stronger. Just last month we took over as the top performing game for Perfect World in North America."

He goes on to say that the development team is expanding and that several positions remain open.

[Thanks to The Grand Nagus for the tip!]

MassivelyCryptic producer: Star Trek Online 'not dying by any means' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-top-performing-perfect-world-gameWed, 01 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/captains-log-the-state-of-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/captains-log-the-state-of-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/captains-log-the-state-of-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

STO EV Suits HEADER
This past week, Star Trek Online's developers proved they're listening to community feedback. STO Executive Producer Daniel Stahl has released this month's state-of-the-game letter, Foundry missions are playable again, and a few of the game's developers began preparations for their appearance at the upcoming Discussion with the Devs panel, which will be co-hosted by Massively and Trek Radio at the official Star Trek convention in Las Vegas.

Still, there are some outstanding issues that haven't been addressed by Cryptic or Perfect World, and some players are beginning to wonder whether PvP has been laid to rest in STO. Also, the addition of a new EV suit to the ZEN Store has ruffled quite a few feathers, including mine. Join me while I sift through what happened in STO over the past week!

Continue reading Captain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-griffisdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playlas-vegasopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fisotgstar-trekstar-trek-conventionstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlineState-of-the-gamestothe-foundryMon, 30 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Foundry is back online, sort of]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/star-trek-onlines-foundry-is-back-online-sort-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/star-trek-onlines-foundry-is-back-online-sort-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/star-trek-onlines-foundry-is-back-online-sort-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online Executive Producer Dan Stahl has just posted his latest state-of-the-game letter to the official site, declaring that Season Six marks the perfect time for a new player to jump in, thanks to its streamlined mission structure and brand-new starbases.

Here's the juicy bit: Current players know that The Foundry, the game's player-generated content system, has been offline for quite a long time as a result of tweaks made to it by the Season Six patch. Stahl notes that the team is still working on the issues but has finally brought part of the system back online:
Season 6 also introduces some nice improvements for our Foundry. As some may have noticed though, we have yet to turn on these new features yet. The QA team is working diligently as they continue to sort through some specific bugs with previously existing missions. Once those bugs are sorted through, we will then open up the editor - as of today, we have turned on the ability to play existing, republished missions.
Stahl finishes with a quick mention of the dreaded lock boxes, the Star Trek convention in August, and plans for Season Seven. Check out the entire state-of-the-game letter at the official site.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Foundry is back online, sort of originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfoundryfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpgcpwesci-fisotgstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlineState-of-the-gamestothe-foundryFri, 27 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Tholians come to STO and Cryptic's cryptic answers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/captain-s-log-tholians-come-to-sto-and-cryptic-s-cryptic-answer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/captain-s-log-tholians-come-to-sto-and-cryptic-s-cryptic-answer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/captain-s-log-tholians-come-to-sto-and-cryptic-s-cryptic-answer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Tholian header STO
Well, it's about time. Ask most Trekkies who their favorite franchise bad guys are and most will respond with answers like the Romulans, the Borg, or maybe even Q or the Klingons. Rarely will someone respond with the Tholians, but I will.

They have been my favorite Star Trek nemeses since I read the official Star Trek novels set in the Original Series era called Vanguard. Written by veteran Star Trek novelists David Mack, Dayton Ward, Kevin Dilmore, and Marco Palmieri, the seven-book series revolves around a secret lab set on a starbase built in the far-flung reaches of space just as Kirk and gang begin their heralded five-year mission. The Tholians play important roles in the books, and I've been salivating at the thought of having them in Star Trek Online ever since I heard they were being worked on. And now they're here!

Join me after the jump to learn more about what you can expect from an encounter with these very toasty arachnids.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Tholians come to STO and Cryptic's cryptic answers

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Tholians come to STO and Cryptic's cryptic answers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahldavid-mackdayton-wardf2pfeaturedfree-to-playkevin-dilmoremarco-palmieriopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-original-seriesstar-trek-vanguardstotholiantholiansMon, 09 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online gets a new installment of Ask Cryptic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/star-trek-online-gets-a-new-installment-of-ask-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/star-trek-online-gets-a-new-installment-of-ask-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/star-trek-online-gets-a-new-installment-of-ask-cryptic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

And, as always, more dudes to phaser right in the face.
If you're looking forward to more Fleet options in Star Trek Online, you're in luck, as the newest installment of Ask Cryptic makes it clear that Fleet Starbases will be getting more love in the near future. There are plans for more PvP options, plans for more projects in the base, and plans for more fleet-specifics ships. Despite all of that, the fleet projects can be completed by almost anyone with dedication: producer Dan Stahl says you should still be able to unlock your rewards even if you have a fleet consisting of just yourself and your alts.

This particular installment also focuses on other long-awaited features such as the addition of Cardassians as an official species, something that's still on the table even with the Cardassian lockbox ships. Stahl makes it clear that the team would like to allow players to switch the species of their captains if desired, although there isn't a precise timetable on that feature. That's in addition to more discussion of a future inclusion of poker, new item sets, and other future improvements to the universe of Star Trek Online.

MassivelyStar Trek Online gets a new installment of Ask Cryptic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlf2pfactionsfeaturesfleet-starbasesfleetsfree-to-playguildguild-housingguildsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweraceracessci-fispeciesstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 06 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: It always floods after a drought in STO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/captains-log-it-always-floods-after-a-drought/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/captains-log-it-always-floods-after-a-drought/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/captains-log-it-always-floods-after-a-drought/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO
Over the course of the last week, Star Trek Online fans have been swimming in the flood of information that has been released regarding several missions and features of the game that are expected to be released either just before or as part of Season Six.

We still have no formal release date for Season Six, nor have we been given any hint as to when we will see it appear on the STO test server, Tribble. Yet several announcements have been posted by Cryptic on the STO website, some of which have rejuvenated the deflated playerbase.

Fleets were given even more information on the anticipated release of the fleet advancement system; Foundry authors have been celebrating the tool's first significant patch in over a year; endgame players got some good news about two new five-person team missions, and a couple of promotions have made at least a few players smile. Join me as I attempt to analyze all the new information!

Continue reading Captain's Log: It always floods after a drought in STO

MassivelyCaptain's Log: It always floods after a drought in STO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfleetfleet-advancementfleetsfoundryfree-to-playgeoff-tufflilock-boxopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestothe-foundryugcuser-generated-contentMon, 11 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's June Ask Cryptic discusses fleet advancement, Foundry rewards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/star-trek-onlines-june-ask-cryptic-discusses-fleet-advancement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/star-trek-onlines-june-ask-cryptic-discusses-fleet-advancement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/star-trek-onlines-june-ask-cryptic-discusses-fleet-advancement/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Trek Online
Hope you're settled in, Star Trek Online players, because the June Ask Cryptic is quite a read. As you might expect, a good many of the questions revolve around the upcoming fleet advancement system slated for release in Season Six. Dan Stahl takes the opportunity to provide a bit of insight into the specifics of the fleet base system, which will allow fleets to create their own base-of-operations.

He also reveals that the studio is working on implementing a system of rewards for completing player-made Foundry content. The studio's "temporary solution" to this is to feature Foundation content in the mission journal. Stahl says that "this will allow [Cryptic] to attach premium rewards to specific player-made content that is being featured." All this and more is on display in this month's Ask Cryptic, so for the full skinny, head on over that way and give it a read.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's June Ask Cryptic discusses fleet advancement, Foundry rewards originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlf2pfleet-advancementfleet-basefleet-basesfoundryfoundry-rewardsfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoWed, 06 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log Supplemental: An exclusive interview with STO's Daniel Stahl]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-interview-with-stos-da/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-interview-with-stos-da/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-interview-with-stos-da/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

STO Fed SB Header
Following up on our exclusive look at the new fleet starbases and fleet advancement system due to arrive with Season Six of Star Trek Online, we've asked STO's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl, a few questions about how the starbases will work and how they might affect different kinds of players.

One thing seems certain: Season Six might very well contain the most drastic changes the game has ever seen. So join us as we ask Dan some of the questions that came up after reading about the new system!

Continue reading Captain's Log Supplemental: An exclusive interview with STO's Daniel Stahl

MassivelyCaptain's Log Supplemental: An exclusive interview with STO's Daniel Stahl originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarbasestoMon, 04 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive Star Trek Online Season 6 reveal: Fleet starbases]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/exclusive-star-trek-online-season-6-reveal-fleet-starbases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/exclusive-star-trek-online-season-6-reveal-fleet-starbases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/exclusive-star-trek-online-season-6-reveal-fleet-starbases/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

STO
You read that headline right: Star Trek Online will be introducing player starbases in its upcoming Season 6. For the first time in the game, fleets will be able to band together to build a virtual home in the icy blackness of space.

The project was spearheaded by Cryptic Lead Artist Jeremy Mattson, who was given the task of conceptualizing and designing this core feature of the path. Mattson sent us an exclusive developer diary to take us through this process, starting with his examination of starbases in Star Trek's canon all the way through the construction and finished product.

Continue reading Exclusive Star Trek Online Season 6 reveal: Fleet starbases

MassivelyExclusive Star Trek Online Season 6 reveal: Fleet starbases originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldeath-starDenis-Osmanbogovicdev-blogdev-diaryearth-spacedockf2pfleetfleet-starbasefleet-starbasesfree-to-playhousingjeff-millerjeremy-mattsonk7Matt-JeffriesNick-Duguidperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplayer-housingplayer-starbaseplayer-starbasespreviewpwesci-fiseason-6star-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoTue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO
Lately I've beginning to wonder whether the wait for Star Trek Online's Season Six has been as interminable for other players as it seems to have been for me. Although the past several weeks have been busy in the real-life side of things, those distractions really haven't been all that good at harboring my frustration about the wait for the new stuff as I would have liked.

Season Six is being readied for a move to STO's test server, Tribble, in the next couple of weeks, according to the most recent Ask Cryptic as answered by the game's Executive Producer, Dan Stahl. The new patch will contain fleet starbases and a new fleet advancement system but not much else in the way of story-based content.

That's not unexpected, however, as not one of the previous Season releases really ever contained story-based content; they've merely been game-technology pushes, and I understand that Season Six will be no different.

However a couple of things have come out to the game in the past few weeks that have ruffled some hard-core Trek-fan feathers: Caitian Carriers and Ferasans.

Continue reading Captain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties

MassivelyCaptain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caitiancanoncanonitecaptains-logCBScbs-studioscrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedferasanfree-to-playian-richardsloreopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweracessci-fishipsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

STO
For a veteran Star Trek Online player, it can be very easy to get mired in the game's seemingly soulless endgame. From restricted (time-gated) play to lackluster PvP to grinding strategic task force missions and dailies, sometimes it's difficult to find reason to log in at all, let alone on someone else's schedule.

There are always a few options, however. Of course, these ideas aren't going to be everyone's cup of raktajino, but they're a start, and I want to take some time to discuss two possibilities that may help to provide a distraction while we all wait for fleet starbases, Tholians, and Ferasan (the new cat-like species to be released for the Klingon faction).

Continue reading Captain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame

MassivelyCaptain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestothe-foundryMon, 14 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Image
Next in this series of interviews conducted on my visit to Cryptic Studios in Los Gatos, California, last month is a chat with Daniel Stahl, Executive Producer of Star Trek Online.

I first asked Stahl to give me an overview of his responsibilities as Executive Producer, as there are many people who are either new to STO (or even to gaming overall) who may not have a clear understanding of his role entails.

He stated his job is "similar to making movies." He has several direct reports, the first being the software person or the person responsible for the team of people who actually create the code for the game. The second is the Content Lead, who is responsible for new missions, new features, and anything to with player experience. Finally, the Quality Assurance team also reports to him.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoturbineTurbine-EntertainmentMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Producer Dan Stahl answers the newest round of Star Trek Online community questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/producer-dan-stahl-answers-the-newest-round-of-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/producer-dan-stahl-answers-the-newest-round-of-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/producer-dan-stahl-answers-the-newest-round-of-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If we're really going to get every ship playable, we should arguably also be able to get ships that are clearly repainted models from other episodes.
Dan Stahl is back in the hot seat at Star Trek Online, and that means it's time for him to tackle another round of questions for the regular Ask Cryptic feature. This month's questions have quite a lot to do with forecasting future updates to the game, ranging from questions about new playable species to questions on revising crafting and PvP. And while these questions always involve a fair amount of ambiguity for far-off plans, there's plenty for players to chew on.

One of the obvious questions relates to the game's planned release of only two Featured Episode series. Stahl explains that the real issue isn't how many series are released; it's the fact that the game needs a steady pipeline of content, something that the team is examining closely. He also discusses future goals for Fleets and the possibility of voiceover for dedicated bridge officers. As with previous installments, there's no shortage of questions, so fans are likely to find something to get excited about within the answers.

MassivelyProducer Dan Stahl answers the newest round of Star Trek Online community questions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoThu, 01 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dan Stahl takes back the captain's chair in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/dan-stahl-takes-back-the-captains-chair-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/dan-stahl-takes-back-the-captains-chair-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/dan-stahl-takes-back-the-captains-chair-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Trek
Remember in Star Trek: The Motion Picture how Kirk returns to the Enterprise and shoehorns his way back into the Captain's chair, leaving the previous job-holder to be absorbed by an interstellar entity that was really a relic of NASA's space program? What a hoot that was, and it's in no way relevant to today's story of former Star Trek Online Executive Producer Dan Stahl resuming his duties from Stephen D'Angelo after vacating the position in 2011.

Stahl left Cryptic in September 2011 for a job at Zynga, at which point D'Angelo assumed the producing role. Interestingly enough, Stahl quickly returned to Cryptic last December but was assigned to heading up the Foundry team. The saga has come full-circle as Stahl returns to executive producing and D'Angelo resumes his command as Cryptic's CTO.

Stahl posted a short re-introduction letter to mark his comeback: "After several eventful away team missions and a desk position training cadets in San Francisco, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be back at the helm of this very important title."

MassivelyDan Stahl takes back the captain's chair in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captain-kirkcrypticcryptic-studiosctodan-stahldaniel-stahlexecutive-producerf2pfree-to-playkirkperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwestar-trek-onlinestar-trek-the-motion-picturestephen-dangelostoMon, 13 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dan Stahl beams back aboard Cryptic Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/dan-stahl-beams-back-aboard-cryptic-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/dan-stahl-beams-back-aboard-cryptic-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/dan-stahl-beams-back-aboard-cryptic-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online - captain and bridge officer
Dan Stahl couldn't stay away from Star Trek Online for long, and now the former executive producer is back in the fold to head up the Foundry team for Cryptic Studios and parent company Perfect World Entertainment.

Stahl, who left STO for Zynga in September, posted on the o-boards earlier this evening announcing his return. "There is something magical going on at Cryptic these days and I'm very happy to be back working on the MMOs that I personally love to play," he said.

The Foundry is Cryptic's suite of user-generated content tools that is currently available in Star Trek Online and slated to appear in the company's upcoming Neverwinter title.

MassivelyDan Stahl beams back aboard Cryptic Studios originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlfoundrymmo-industryperfect-world-entertainmentplayer-generated-contentpwestar-trekstar-trek-onlinestothe-foundryuser-generated-contentzyngaThu, 01 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Preparing for launch (and farewells)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/captains-log-preparing-for-launch-and-farewells/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/captains-log-preparing-for-launch-and-farewells/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/captains-log-preparing-for-launch-and-farewells/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online screenshot
Hello, computer (and players)! As we are all now aware, the development team at Star Trek Online is busy making its preparations to re-launch the game with a hybrid, free-to-play model. Currently, the Tribble test server has been taken down as a beta build is being prepared for testing. In the meantime, Red Shirt, originally a Closed Beta test sever, has been opened up to current subscribers to continue testing new releases that will occur between now and the F2P launch. While there is still no date set for when this will be happening, many signs point to an October or November launch period.

To add to the craziness that must be going on at Cryptic's headquarters in Northern California, on Tuesday, Dan Stahl, Executive Producer of STO, publicly announced that he would be vacating the Captain's Chair as he moves on to a new endeavor in his career. Effective immediately, Stephen D'Angelo, Cryptic's CTO, will be taking temporary command as the search for a new EP begins. While this came as a shock to many and was completely unexpected even by me, it may not be the "end of the world" as some players are calling it. Let's explore more.

Ensign, warp 10! Set sensors to maximum range as we explore a little bit more about this change...

Continue reading Captain's Log: Preparing for launch (and farewells)

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Preparing for launch (and farewells) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahldevelopment-teamepescortexecutive-producerfeaturedlivestreampatchperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweredshirtst-onlinestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostotest-servertrek-onlinetribbleThu, 22 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dan Stahl leaving Cryptic, Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/dan-stahl-leaving-cryptic-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/dan-stahl-leaving-cryptic-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/dan-stahl-leaving-cryptic-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Trek Online - red shirt captain
Cryptic executive producer Dan Stahl has vacated the Star Trek Online captain's chair, according to a brief farewell message posted on the title's official website.

Details on the departure are slim, with Stahl telling fans that he has "chosen to move on in my career and pursue new challenges." The resignation is the latest development in what has been an eventful summer for STO faithful, as Cryptic Studios was acquired by Perfect World Entertainment and Star Trek Online was subsequently slated to receive the free-to-play treatment.

Stahl goes on to say that he will be answering questions prior to his end-of-the-month beam out, and he indicates that STO will be in good hands thanks to the leadership of former lead programmer and current Cryptic CTO Stephen D'Angelo.

Look for more insight into this move in this Thursday's Captain's Log column.

MassivelyDan Stahl leaving Cryptic, Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boldly-goingcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfree-to-playmmo-industryperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpress-releasered-shirtsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostoTue, 20 Sep 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[September's Ask Cryptic details STO's F2P transition, new content, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/septembers-ask-cryptic-details-stos-f2p-transition-new-conten/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/septembers-ask-cryptic-details-stos-f2p-transition-new-conten/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/septembers-ask-cryptic-details-stos-f2p-transition-new-conten/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Trek Online (Resistance is futile)
In the midst of the recent hullabaloo over Star Trek Online's free-to-play transition, September's Ask Cryptic focuses on what players can expect from the change. Executive Producer Dan Stahl touches on the subject of skilltree revamps, server availability, and much, much more.

Space skills are getting a few sweeping changes in order to make them more applicable to players of all builds. As such, skills that "apply only to a specific ship class or energy type" are being replaced with more general skills, such as increased damage, increased turn rate, and so forth. Stahl also reveals that the team has ordered new hardware and made perfomance tweaks to the game in order to allow for a potential influx of new players once the game goes F2P.

Players also ask about new content, noting that talked-about post-Season 4 content has not materialized as players expected. Stahl notes that Borg Red Alerts were just released, and work on the Deep Space Nine Feature Episode Series is progressing steadily. The Q&A also details the upcoming Borg Ground Invasion, which assigns players the difficult task of removing a Borg infestation before the Collective can successfully assimilate an entire planet.

The Q&A goes on to touch on new social zones, a great deal of "nice to have but low-priority" additions, and oodles more. For the full Q&A, hop your way on over to the full Ask Cryptic post.

MassivelySeptember's Ask Cryptic details STO's F2P transition, new content, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldeep-space-9deep-space-nineds9f2pfree-to-playperfect-world-entertainmentpweskill-revampskill-tree-revampstar-trek-onlinestoFri, 09 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dan Stahl addresses Star Trek Online F2P concerns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dan-stahl-addresses-star-trek-online-f2p-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dan-stahl-addresses-star-trek-online-f2p-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dan-stahl-addresses-star-trek-online-f2p-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Trek Online
While we're still awaiting official details on the recent announcement of Star Trek Online's free-to-play transition, Executive Producer Daniel Stahl leaped into the forums to help dispel some of the more troubling fears and to shed some light on what is happening.

"There has been a method to all the madness, but first and foremost on my mind has been ensuring that Star Trek Online has a big future ahead of it," Stahl writes. "That has led to some tough decisions and deep analysis of what was critically wrong in STO. The next several months are going to be exciting for STO as you begin to see everything that we've been working on (finally)."

The good news is that the F2P switch will not impact current subscribers (if anything, Stahl says they'll see more benefits), nor will it restrict content access. Cryptic may be lowering prices on some items in the C-Store, and Star Trek Online will be playable to the level cap without requiring money spent on it. Stahl also confirmed that more hardware is on the way for the game's foundation.

At least from his perspective, Stahl sees STO's new owners as a boon to the game's future: "Perfect World has made it very clear that they want to invest in STO because they believe it has great POTENTIAL and they see an investment that can yield an even better game. That to me, is the golden path that this game deserves. It is Star Trek we are talking about!"

MassivelyDan Stahl addresses Star Trek Online F2P concerns originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-storecrypticcryptic-entertainmentdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfree-to-playin-game-storeperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpotential-in-all-capsstahlstar-trek-onlinestoThu, 01 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[STO's August engineering report on plans for Feature Series 4]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/stos-august-engineering-report-on-plans-for-feature-series-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/stos-august-engineering-report-on-plans-for-feature-series-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/stos-august-engineering-report-on-plans-for-feature-series-4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online screenshot
It's that time again, Trekkers and Trekkies -- Star Trek Online's August Engineering Report is upon us.

STO executive producer Daniel Stahl has offered up a post that kicks off with praise for Cryptic's new overlords at Perfect World Entertainment. He goes on to state that subs are up as players stream in to check out the new Ground Combat system and that the team is working extra hard to push out the long-awaited Deep Space 9-themed Feature Series 4. Stahl also outlines the devs' fall plans for the REDSHIRT closed beta server and notes that the upcoming September 22nd update "will be pretty big [...] some might say even bigger than the launch of Season 4."

Finally, the post winds down with a meaty list of game features and bug fixes currently in testing, including tweaks to the Duty Officer system, random Borg encounters, the group-finder tool, lore quests, and more.

MassivelySTO's August engineering report on plans for Feature Series 4 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlengineering-reportpatchperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweredshirtstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestotest-servertribbleMon, 22 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Ask Cryptic featurette hints at new content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/star-trek-onlines-ask-cryptic-featurette-hints-at-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/star-trek-onlines-ask-cryptic-featurette-hints-at-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/star-trek-onlines-ask-cryptic-featurette-hints-at-new-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Trek Online - Borg cube
It's time for the Star Trek Online edition of this month's Ask Cryptic, and executive producer Dan Stahl has stepped up to the plate with a whopping 5,000-word community-powered monster of a post.

Stahl delivers some good news right off the bat, as STO is scheduled to receive several new content additions between now and the end of October. Chief among these are various Borg-related invasion events, new lore quests, the Klingon Academy zone, the duty officer system and assignments, and Feature Episode Series 4.

The vast majority of the rest of the post is devoted to very specific gameplay questions and requests from STO players, and there's even a mention of the fact that Cryptic is hiring. Warp to the official STO website for all the details.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Ask Cryptic featurette hints at new content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticborgcontentcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahleventsfeature-episode-series-4feature-episodesjob-openingsjobsklingon-academy-zonenew-contentnow-hiringperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-onlinestoFri, 12 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: The reverse slingshot effect]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/captains-log-the-reverse-slingshot-effect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/captains-log-the-reverse-slingshot-effect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/captains-log-the-reverse-slingshot-effect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Captain's Log, Stardate 65056.3...

Hello, computer (and players)! The slingshot effect is a maneuver, shown throughout the Star Trek franchise, which allowed starships to move back through the time continuum. By traveling at a high warp factor towards a star with a large gravitational pull, the ship would whip around it and time travel. While this seemed to only exist within the realms of the IP, it looks as though Star Trek Online's Executive Producer Dan Stahl took us on a reverse slingshot course, giving us a glimpse into the future of the game. Before we returned to the original timeline, he made sure to write up everything we saw along the way for those who couldn't make the trip.

In layman's terms, for those of you who missed the news earlier this week, July's Engineering Report has been released. While this is a monthly publication that contains the development pipeline for STO, including some items that have been featured in past issues, there are always a few bullet points added that seem to spark a healthy amount of debate -- one of these includes the ability to auction off your in-game Emblems, a form of currency, for C-Store points that have been paid for with real money. For information on this, including a response from Cryptic's PR department, and more, read ahead past the jump for this week's Captain's Log entry.

Ensign, warp 10! Let's pull a slingshot maneuver of our own...

Continue reading Captain's Log: The reverse slingshot effect

MassivelyCaptain's Log: The reverse slingshot effect originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academyauctionbugsc-storecaptains-logcaptainslogcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studioscstore pointsCstorePointsdan stahldan-stahldaniel stahlDanielStahlDanStahldevelopmentdine with the devsdine-with-the-devsDineWithTheDevsemblemsengineering reportengineering-reportEngineeringReportexplorationfeaturedfleet starbasefleetsFleetStarbasefoundryklingonlivestreammicrotransactionpatchesplutoQAseason-fiveseason-fourshipsslingshotsolsol planetsSolPlanetsspeciesst-onlinestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarbasesstarfleetstfstoterritory controlTerritoryControltime travelTimeTraveltrek-onlinetribblewarpThu, 21 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online producer previews the new Enterprise-F]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/star-trek-online-producer-previews-the-new-enterprise-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/star-trek-online-producer-previews-the-new-enterprise-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/star-trek-online-producer-previews-the-new-enterprise-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online producer Daniel Stahl has penned a new dev diary about the recent fan-driven Enterprise design contest. The piece appears on the official Star Trek website and offers a bit of insight on both the winning entry (submitted by STO fan Adam Ilhe) as well as the lore behind the revamped Enterprise-F.

"In the Star Trek Online timeline of 2409, the galaxy is embroiled in war with numerous threats to peace and stability. This Enterprise is designed to carry a message of peace, as well as to show the strength of resolve that forms the foundation of the Federation," Stahl explains.

Ilhe's ship design will be revealed to players in a forthcoming STO feature episode, and players will get to meet the ship's crew as well as earn their own Odyssey-class vessel. Warp to the official Star Trek website for further details.

MassivelyStar Trek Online producer previews the new Enterprise-F originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontest-winnercrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldesign-contestenterpriseenterprise-ffan-contentodyssey-classplayer-generated-contentsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-onlinestoWed, 20 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Season Four launch recap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/captains-log-season-four-launch-recap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/captains-log-season-four-launch-recap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/captains-log-season-four-launch-recap/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Captain's Log, Stardate 65037.1...

Hello, computer (and players)! As I mentioned in last week's Captain's Log entry, Season Four: Crossfire is now alive and kicking on Star Trek Online's Holodeck server. Based on past experiences with major content and code pushes, I feel that this was the smoothest to date with virtually no server issues or overload. While there have been a few snags along the way with some bugs making it past Cryptic's "white-glove" QA process, the update was a success and players are having more fun than ever before.

As discussed in one of my past log entries, Season Four was to bring many updates to the game, including the acclaimed ground combat 2.0 system, which would make it an even better Trek experience -- in all honestly, Cryptic delivered. STO is more active than ever and the fleet that I am in is having multiple newbies sign up each day; it is an exciting time to be a player and your weekly columnist. What I would like to do this week is revisit what I let you know was coming to the game and let you know some of my thoughts on them now that I have been experiencing them for myself.

Ensign, warp 12! Oh yeah, we are taking this to a whole new level...

Continue reading Captain's Log: Season Four launch recap

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Season Four launch recap originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-updateassimilationbehind-the-scenesborgcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdan-stahlfeaturedfoundrygozerground-combatground-combat-revampkdfklingonlivestreampvepve-queueqonosseason-4season-fourst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-ostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineThu, 14 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: The Gospel of Tribble]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/captains-log-the-gospel-of-tribble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/captains-log-the-gospel-of-tribble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/captains-log-the-gospel-of-tribble/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Captain's Log, Stardate 64959.3...

Hello, compu... what the... shields up, red alert! Brace for impact! A giant Tribble is on the loose, and its name is Season Four. That's right -- the Star Trek Online public test server, Tribble, sometimes nicknamed the Trouble with Tribble, has finally reopened with the major update that we have all been waiting for. This build was first pushed last Friday but was taken down moments later due to a "major database error." The show-stopping kinks have been worked out now, so it is time to get to testing out all of the new content I have been writing about for the past couple of months.

If you have not seen the release notes for this build, there are dozens of updates that will be altering the way you have come to play the game. Not sure what to test? That is what I am here for. The goal of this week's Captain's Log is to provide you a checklist on what to hit up once you patch your game and get on your test toon. Also, if you have never installed the test server, now is a great time -- Cryptic will soon be announcing a Tribble Test Weekend, during which you can log in and receive an exclusive item on the live server just for helping test.

Ensign, warp 10! Let's share some text from the word of Tribble...

Continue reading Captain's Log: The Gospel of Tribble

MassivelyCaptain's Log: The Gospel of Tribble originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-updateassimilationbehind-the-scenesborgcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlfeaturedfoundryground-combatground-combat-revampkdfklingonlivestreampvepve-queueqonosseason-4season-fourstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-livestreamtesttest-servertribblevivoxThu, 16 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST