Maxis, Id, Activision Members Join Cryptic Studios Advisors

MMO developer Cryptic Studios (City of Heroes, Marvel Universe Online) has announced the establishment of a Board of Advisors whose goal will be to “provide strategic counsel” to the company with regards to current projects as well as future opportunities. Comprised of veterans both from within and outside the gaming industry, the new board's initial members include Maxis co-founder and former Electronic Arts' executive Jeff Braun, as well as id Software co-owner, artist, and executive producer Kevin Cloud. Other members of Cryptic Studios' new advisory board include former attorney David Higley, who also served as the managing director and the global head of digital media at UBS Investment Bank; and Ed Roffman, who held a number of key financial positions at Activision from 1979 through 1987 and from 1989 to 1991, as well as served as the COO of PC software company Palladium Interactive. The board also includes representation from North American video game sales firm Strategic Marketing Partners, which represents such companies as LucasArts, Sony Online Entertainment, and Square Enix. "We are very fortunate to have such a high-caliber group of industry experts to advise Cryptic Studios as we continue our mission to deliver the best possible online gaming experience," said Michael Lewis, president of Cryptic Studios. "The knowledge and relationships held by this group are extremely beneficial to the continued growth of our studio in the years ahead."