Veteran Comic Book Insider Joins Forces With Cryptic Studios

LOS GATOS, CA - JULY 17, 2007 - Cryptic Studios, Inc., a leading independent developer of massively-multiplayer online games, today announced that they have added to their growing talent pool with the hiring of a new Design Writer, John Layman. Layman, a twelve-year veteran of the comic book industry and an accomplished game writer, joined the team in their Los Gatos headquarters on Monday, June 25. He will be lending his expertise to MarvelTM Universe Online, the highly-anticipated MMO currently in development for PC and the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

"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," said Michael Lewis, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "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."

Layman's comic credits include written work for several prominent Marvel Comics series, including Gambit, House of M: Fantastic Four, and Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness. He is responsible for several creator-owned titles, including Puffed for Image Comics and Armageddon & Son for Oni Press. Layman also has several notable games to which he has contributed his writing, including Metroid: Hunters for the Nintendo DSTM and Marvel Trading Card Game for the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) handheld system.

For more information on Cryptic Studios, visit www.crypticstudios.com.

About Cryptic Studios
Cryptic is currently partnered with Microsoft Game Studios to bring MarvelTM Universe Online to both Xbox 360TM and Windows VistaTM. The company is also dedicated to supporting their hit flagship titles, City of Heroes® and City of VillainsTM with partner NCsoft.

Founded in 2000 and based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is the leading independent developer of massively-multiplayer online games. The company has a track record for creating critically-acclaimed and highly-entertaining games that appeal to wide audiences. Its first two titles, City of Heroes and City of Villains, are both award-winning titles that represent the company's commitment to delivering high-quality, immersive entertainment to the market.

Marvel is a trademark of Marvel Characters, Inc. City of Heroes, City of Villains, and all associated logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cryptic Studios, Inc. and NCsoft Corporation. Cryptic Studios is a trademark of Cryptic Studios, Inc.