For the last few months there have been mounting troubles at Perpetual Entertainment, the company making the “Star Trek Online” MMORPG, and now it appears that it has finally come to a head. TrekMovie.com has learned from a source that after failing to secure additional financing the company has stopped development on the game. However, all hope is not lost.


STO moving to a new studio
According to our source talks are currently underway to transfer the game assets as well as the Star Trek license to a new developer. WarCry is also reporting on this story and their sources state that Perpetual are not looking to sell the coding for the game. The WarCry report also states that the transfer has already taken place ‘to another Bay Area development studio,’ but according to our source no deal is currently in place.

TrekMovie.com has confirmed that Cryptic Studios, the company behind the award-winning MMORPGs “City of Heroes” and “City of Villains” is currently interviewing members of the Perpetual team. However, Cryptic would not confirm if they are involved with discussions to pick up the game assets or Star Trek license as well. Cryptic is currently working on another licensed MMORPG, “Marvel Universe Online” as well as other games and may just be looking to pick up some newly available talent.

The last release estimate for Star Trek Online was for the summer of 2009, but any change of developers is likely to disrupt that target. However, it is welcome news that the game will likely survive. Many Trek fans can remember the high-profile game “Secret of Vulcan Fury” which died late into its development in 1999 when the developer (Interplay) ran into financial trouble.

TrekMovie.com will continue to report on this story as it develops.

hehe how much are you gonna bet they never coded anything serious...wait! gavin?