STO Guidelines

Hailing Frequency caught up with Star Trek Online’s Executive Producer, Craig Zinkevich last week, for a 45 minute chat about the game!

In our first interview with Craig since the game released on February 2nd 2010, the interview covers a wide range of topics including the previously released Season 1 updates, the upcoming Season 2 updates, and beyond!

(continue reading…)

Executive Producer Craig Zinkievich checks in with an important announcement:

Two and a half years on Star Trek Online, seven years at Cryptic Studios … and it’s time for me to move on.

I’ve decided to take a break from Cryptic Studios for a bit and focus on other things, like hanging out with my kids over the summer, walking my goat more and taking care of my bees. (Jack never told you about them, did he?)

Getting to work on Star Trek Online has truly been the highlight of my career. Since I was little, I’ve been a fan of the shows and movies. And since the internet and MMOs became prevalent, I, along with you guys, have watched, hoped and waited to get the chance to explore that universe online. I still can’t believe how lucky I was when it became my responsibility to help make STO a reality. I’m often asked in interviews or online, “Isn’t your job the coolest job ever?” Yes, yes it is.
(continue reading…)

Many changes are afoot at Star Trek Online (STO). Since it’s release, the STO team has released regular updates to the game, and Season 2, a significant update to the game, is scheduled for release this month. While STO might have stumbled out of the gate, it’s clear the STO team is working hard to improve the game.

Recently, there was also a change to the STO team. Craig Zinkievich, STO’s original Executive Producer, left the helm of STO. MMOGames was fortunate to have an opportunity to interview Star Trek Online’s new Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl. Enjoy.

Interview
Daniel Stahl – Executive Producer – Star Trek Online

1. What’s your favorite thing about Star Trek: Online (STO)?
The ability to level up, customize, and play as both a Starship in space and a Captain on away missions is something I really find fun. Each episode combines a little bit of both worlds and provides a constant change of pace. Going from a big epic space battle down to exploring a planet gives a sense of scale in gameplay that keeps things changing from moment to moment.
(continue reading…)

Our latest content update, Season Two: Ancient Enemies, will be available in July 2010. In Ancient Enemies, you’ll encounter and do battle with even more of Star Trek’s iconic races, enjoy all new Episodes and experience Star Trek Online in brand new ways. Here’s some of what you can expect in Season Two: Ancient Enemies:

Congratulations, Admiral
We’re raising the level cap from 45 all the way to 51. With the increase comes new ranks:

Federation:
Rear Admiral, Lower Half (41-45)
Rear Admiral, Upper Half (46-50)
Vice Admiral (51)
Klingon:
Brigadier General (41-45)
Major General (46-50)
Lieutenant General (51)
With the new distinction comes a new set of rewards and content:
(continue reading…)

Last time we chatted with Star Trek Online executive producer Craig Zinkievich, he and Cryptic Studios commemorated the MMO’s three-month milestone with “Season One,” its first major content update. As promised, the developers “addressed players’ concerns” and delivered “new, fresh content in the players’ hands,” as Zinkievich described it, in our “Season One and Beyond” interview.

The three-month release cycle continues in July with “Season Two,” offering more new content and gameplay refinement. In our latest interview with Zinkievich, we talk about some of the significant features and changes that Cryptic has added throughout the past few months, like the Memory Alpha revamp and the new “Accolade System.” We also get details about upcoming content in July’s “Season Two,” which introduces popularly-requested exploration, diplomacy and anthropology-themed missions via the new “Federation Diplomatic Corps.” Zinkievich tells us about the future of ship interiors, mini-games like “Dabo” and more. Read the full interview after the jump!

[Note: The following interview took place earlier this month; publishing delayed due to our E3 2010 coverage.]

(continue reading…)