Cryptic Co-Founder Jack Emmert Named Daybreak Austin CEO

With the launch of DC Universe Online on Xbox One under its belt, Daybreak’s Austin studio has a new leader. The company, which was formerly known as Sony Online Entertainment, has appointed Jack Emmert as the studio’s new CEO.

Emmert co-founded Cryptic in 2000, where he served as creative director and chief creative officer. Under his watch, the developer launched City of Heroes, City of Villains, Champions Online, Neverwinter, and Star Trek Online.

Daybreak’s headquarters is located in San Diego. Other games published and in-development at Daybreak include two H1Z1 games, Planetside 2, Landmark, and the Everquest series.

Our Take
Emmert’s departure must have been recent given that his LinkedIn profile still indicates he’s CEO of the company (though Cryptic’s own website reflects that he has been succeeded by Stephen D’Angelo). With Cryptic’s Neverwinter doing well and Star Trek Online still trucking along, Emmert seems like a good fit to shepherd DC Universe Online.