Dan Stahl leaving Star Trek Online dev Cryptic

The executive producer of the Champions Online and Star Trek Online dev has announced he's to boldly go on to pastures new but will Kling-on until the end of the month. No more puns, I promise.

In a note on the official Star Trek Online website, Cryptic Studios exec preducer Dan Stahl has announced he's leaving the studio to "pursue new challenges", before moving to assure fans that the MMO is in safe hands.

"I’m now confident that the future of Star Trek Online is secure with Perfect World," he said in reference to Perfect World Entertainment's acquisition of Cryptic Studios earlier in the summer.

"...Stephen D’Angelo, formerly the lead programmer on STO and current CTO of Cryptic, is returning to manage the project and ensure that the free-to-play launch goes off without a hitch."

The move to free-to-play is scheduled to take place this year, and before he leaves Stahl will have a hand in ensuring that transition is a smooth one.

"Before my departure at the end of the month, I will be fielding interviews, answering questions and working toward ensuring STO free-to-play has an amazing launch later this year."

We wish him luck with his future endeavours, as well as a long a prosperous life. No puns here.

Thanks, Massively.