Cryptic Hires Comics Vet John Layman As Design Writer

California-based MMO developer Cryptic Studios (City of Heroes, Marvel Universe Online) has announced the hiring of veteran comic book and video game writer John Layman as the company’s new design writer. Layman joined the company on June 25, and is currently working on Cryptic Studios’ previously announced Marvel Universe Online, a new MMO set in the Marvel Comics universe. The game is currently in development for both the PC and Xbox 360. Primarily a writer for Marvel Comics on titles such as Gambit, House of M: Fantastic Four, and Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness, Layman has also written for more independent studios such as Image Comics and Oni Press (Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen of Alpha Squad 7). Beyond his comic book credits, Layman also contributed writing to Nintendo’s Metroid Prime: Hunters for the Nintendo DS, and Konami’s Marvel Trading Card Game for the PSP. Said Cryptic CEO Michael Lewis, "Having a creator like John on our side really demonstrates to our players -- present and future -- that we strive for authenticity when we bring a universe to life. As a company, we are committed to hiring the most creative people in and out of the industry. It's all about delivering high-quality games that stay true to what both gamers and fans of the genre have come to expect from our studio."