Following the announce of Jack Emmert’s return to Cryptic Studios as CEO, Arc Games and Cryptic Studios announced today that Star Trek Online: Corruption, the 35th season of the free-to-play Star Trek MMORPG, will launch on February 17, 2026 for PC and on March 10, 2026 for PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Launching during Star Trek Online’s 16th anniversary, with the beloved Star Trek franchise approaching its 60th anniversary, Corruption reflects the game’s continued evolution as the most faithful and largest Star Trek MMORPG. In case you missed it, the Star Trek franchise recently incorporated content from Star Trek Online into its official canon, highlighted by the appearance of three original starships (the Ketha Recon Raptor, M’Chla Bird of Prey Refit, and QeHpu’ Advanced Light Battlecruiser) in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s recent episode “Vox in Excelsio” – a testament to the Star Trek MMORPG’s growing influence within the franchise.
Helming the latest Star Trek Online season, Corruption, and beyond, Cryptic Studios veteran and influential Star Trek developer, Thomas Marrone steps into the role of Executive Producer, steering Star Trek Online’s development and future success. Marrone is best known for his iconic starship designs within Star Trek Online and also in the Star Trek franchise, as he’s most notable for making the in-game starship, U.S.S. Enterprise-F (Odyssey-class), canon in Star Trek: Picard Season 3.
Star Trek Online Celebrates 16 Years
Coinciding with the Star Trek franchise’s 60th anniversary, Star Trek Online celebrates a major milestone: 16 years of boldly expanding the Star Trek universe for players around the world, underscoring the enduring legacy and continued evolution of one of science fiction’s most iconic worlds. Originally released in February 2010, Star Trek Online is officially one of the longest running Star Trek series in the history of the franchise and offers over 200 episodes, over 70 queues (now known as Task Force Operations), four major expansions, and 35 full seasons of playable content.
Over the last 16 years, the game has explored some of Star Trek’s most beloved series, including classics like The Original Series, Voyager, Enterprise, Deep Space Nine, and The Next Generation. Star Trek Online has also continued to boldly go into the modern era of the franchise with content from the Kelvin-Timeline Star Trek films and the contemporary Star Trek shows on Paramount+, including Discovery, Picard, Prodigy, Lower Decks, and Strange New Worlds. Continuing Star Trek Online’s impact across the wider franchise, three original starships from the MMORPG appeared in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s episode “Vox in Excelso”: the Ketha Recon Raptor, M’Chla Bird of Prey Refit, and QeHpu’ Advanced Light Battlecruiser.
Star Trek Online has also welcomed dozens of original cast members to the game, including Leonard Nimoy (Spock), LeVar Burton (Geordi LaForge), Michael Dorn (Worf), Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher), Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher), Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar), Armin Shimerman (Quark), René Auberjonois (Odo), Nana Visitor (Kira Nerys), Kate Mulgrew (Kathryn Janeway), Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine), Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Garett Wang (Harry Kim), Soniqua Martin-Green (Michael Burnham), Jason Isaacs (Gabriel Lorca), Mary Wiseman (Silvia Tilly), Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets), and many more.
“Milestones like these don’t happen by accident,” said Jack Emmert, CEO of Cryptic Studios. “They’re the result of passionate developers like Thomas Marrone, whose promotion comes at a fitting time as Star Trek Online celebrates 16 years and the franchise looks toward its 60th anniversary.”
Combat the Chimerans in Star Trek Online: Corruption
Kicking off Star Trek Online’s 16th anniversary celebrations, Cryptic Studios will be launching the 35th season, Corruption, for the Star Trek MMORPG on February 17, 2026 for PC and on March 10, 2026 for PlayStation and Xbox consoles. In Star Trek Online: Corruption, the Chimerans threaten to invade the galaxy, with their goals and desires, so far, unknown.
As the Chimerans’ influence spreads, Starfleet Captain Ezri Dax, voiced by Star Trek alum and fan-favorite Nicole de Boer, joins players in confronting the escalating crisis. Combat the Chimerans in new upcoming features, including the “Curse of Phrygia” episode, the “Belly of the Beast” Task Force Operation, and the Corruption event.
Star Trek Online: Corruption introduces the following features:
- New Episode – Curse of Phrygia
○ Old allies reunite, as Captain Ezri Dax urgently summons you to the MIDAS Array. Join her in quelling a Chimeran incursion that threatens both the integrity of the corrupted comms array, and the stability of the galaxy. Battle through waves of psionic beacons that call on enemy reinforcements in space, and push through a dangerously infested environment. Peril lurks in every dimly lit corner of the array — so watch your step, and don’t look back. The fate of the Multiversal War depends on your courage.
- New Task Force Operation – Belly of the Beast (Ground TFO)
○ The MIDAS Array is under siege! Chimerans have compromised several decks of the communications array, threatening to overtake the entire structure. Starfleet Captain Ezri Dax is calling on a task force capable of tackling this relentless onslaught, and surviving until further back-up can arrive. Do you have what it takes to secure the decks, hold the line, and prevent the MIDAS Array from falling to the Chimerans?
- New Event – Corruption
○ Chimerans are spreading across the galaxy, corrupting all that stands in their way. As major fleets fall to ongoing sabotage and key Alliance structures are infested beyond repair, every victory now feels infinitesimal in the face of total annihilation. Confronting the Chimerans is no longer a choice, but the only viable path forward. Summon every ounce of your strength and join the fight, before it’s too late.
Thomas Marrone Helms Star Trek Online as EP
Formerly the Art Director for Star Trek Online, Thomas Marrone will be leading current and future development of the MMORPG as the Executive Producer. His career has helped define the visual identity and creative direction of Star Trek Online, while his starship models, like the Pathfinder-class U.S.S. Voyager-B and the Odyssey-class Enterprise-F have been featured in the television show Star Trek: Picard. Taking on broader leadership responsibilities, Marrone is focused on keeping fidelity to the Star Trek universe and working together with the Star Trek Online community to ensure the game’s longevity for many more years to come.
“I began my journey with Star Trek Online as a fan,” said Thomas Marrone, Executive Producer of Star Trek Online. “I participated in closed beta and have played STO faithfully in the years since. From forum poster to UI Artist to Ship Lead to Art Director, and now Executive Producer, it has truly been a long road getting from there to here. I am humbled and excited to explore Star Trek Online’s Undiscovered Country with such a passionate, dedicated dev team and one of the best MMO communities in the galaxy.”
