Gamesindustry.biz reports (free registration required) that Cryptic studios, best known for Champions Online and Star Trek Online, is being put on the market by Atari, their current owner.

"Support for Star Trek Online and Champions Online will continue as normal, as well as development on Cryptic's new Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter title.

"In line with the previously stated strategy of fewer but more profitable releases and further expansion into casual online and mobile games, the Company has determined that external development creates more flexibility in the changing marketplace," stated Atari in its full year financial results.

Cryptic Studios generated €15.9 million ($22.7m) in revenues over the last 12 months, but made a loss €5.3 million ($7.5m). However, this represents an improvement on the €12.6 million ($17.9m) loss of the previous year."

So it seems Atari believes it's better sticking to smaller and more profitable titles then the MMO market, which is largely dominated by World of Warcraft.

Interesting no doubt, and with a new owner comes new rules, which may or may not have an impact on Cryptic Studios current games.
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