Cryptic Studios explains why it chose the Champions franchise

If you look carefully behind a game, chances are you’ll discover that the inspiration for that game came from something simple that somehow connected with the progenitor’s sense of wonder. That’s exactly the case with Cryptic Studios and its upcoming superhero MMORPG, Champions Online. More on the inspirational story after the jump.

Not surprisingly, it all began with an pen-and-paper RPG entitled Champions. It may have been a little thing back then, but little things usually find their way into bigger things. In Cryptic Studios‘ case, the influences of Champions on City of Heroes and the upcoming MMORPG, Champions Online, are apparent.

According to Jack Emmert, Cryptic’s Chief Creative Officer, it all began when he bought his copy of the Champions RPG in 1981. Emmert found himself thoroughly immersed in the game’s character creation system, rules, background and narrative.

Emmert said that after its stint with City of Heroes, Cryptic Studios decided to work on a next-gen superhero game. It was Emmert himself who decided to turn his passion into a project for Cryptic, and the result just happened to be Champions Online.

For Jack Emmert, it’s all about his desire to make Champions Online into the “finest comic book hero game on the market.” With that, expect more updates from Cryptic Studios and from us in the months to come.