Zinkievich posted an open letter on the STO site, explaining his reasons for taking a break, which include spending more time with his family. He also announces his successor, Daniel Stahl, describing him thusly: "He’s got the love of Star Trek (the Kirk photo existed before he came to Cryptic), he’s got passion for games, he’s got his finger on the pulse of the community."
STO fans need not worry either – Zinkievich's parting message stresses how much great content is headed to the game: "When it comes to Season Two, Season Three and the future of STO, there is no end to the episodes, systems and species that they want to desperately see put in the game. With Dan in the Captain’s chair, I’m confident that this team will be true to Star Trek’s vision and continue to expand STO to its fullest potential."
Check out our pre-release STO interview with Zinkievich from November, or read his departing letter in full below:
What You Leave Behind
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.
It’s been a joy to work for you guys. The press has asked me about the “rabid Star Trek fans.” I’ll admit that I was scared coming onto the project. However, as much as we fans like to argue about which captain was the coolest, when certain events took place and how important that making sure the windows on the Galaxy model are perfect, we accept everyone who has a respect and love for the franchise and what it means. You guys accepted Cryptic with open arms, and we’ve appreciated every post, comment and word of encouragement. It’s been easy to try the “daring thing” and be open with you about what we’re doing in STO – working with you on that has even been cooler. You guys really are the best fans in sci-fi. Thank you so much.
And while I’m moving on, but you guys are in awesome hands.
I’m proud to announce that our production superstar Daniel Stahl will be taking over as STO’s EP, tasked with taking the MMO through the next phases of its life. He’s got the love of Star Trek (the Kirk photo existed before he came to Cryptic), he’s got passion for games, he’s got his finger on the pulse of the community and if you guys ever thought I was excited about the potential of what Star Trek Online can become when you saw my interviews, just wait until you get a load of Dan. It’s scary sometimes. Really. To Dan I say: “Congratulations, Commander!”
The Star Trek Online development team is the most amazing, passionate, dedicated and hardest working team that I’ve ever had the honor of working with. They constantly amaze me with the work that they put in, the care and reverence in which they approach the universe, and the sheer love for the game and its players. When it comes to Season Two, Season Three and the future of STO, there is no end to the episodes, systems and species that they want to desperately see put in the game. With Dan in the Captain’s chair, I’m confident that this team will be true to Star Trek’s vision and continue to expand STO to its fullest potential.
They better – cause I’m going to be hanging in ESD, exploring the B’Tran cluster and demanding playable Horta on the forums. : )
Live Long and Prosper.
-Zn
[via Gamasutra]