Star Trek Online producer criticises EA over BioWare closure
Thomas Marrone said closing established teams in favour of veteran start-ups is "wildly irresponsible and self-sabotaging".
Thomas Marrone, executive producer of Star Trek Online, has publicly criticised publishers who close established development teams in favour of new studios staffed with AAA veterans and AI technologies, according to Rock Paper Shotgun. His comments came in response to EA closing BioWare, and were posted on Bluesky on October 23, 2026.
Marrone described the practice of disbanding studios as «wildly irresponsible and self-sabotaging», comparing it to setting fire to millions of dollars of property and equipment.
He also argued that most studios behind overnight hits had several games behind them before their first blockbuster, citing Blizzard, Larian and Arrowhead as examples.
Marrone said he has worked at Cryptic Studios, the developer of Star Trek Online, for 16 years on a single game.
Cryptic's own history of ownership changes
In 2021, Embracer acquired Cryptic Studios during its acquisition campaign. After Embracer's acquisitions ran into trouble, Cryptic Studios were among the subsidiaries that had to lay off staff. Embracer later sold the studio to Project Golden Arc, a company formed by former Star Trek Online publishers Arc and XD Inc.
Quick answers
What did Thomas Marrone say about studio closures?
The Star Trek Online executive producer called disbanding studios «wildly irresponsible and self-sabotaging» and compared it to setting fire to millions of dollars of property and equipment.
Why did Marrone speak out?
He was responding on Bluesky to EA closing BioWare.
Where does Thomas Marrone work?
He is executive producer of Star Trek Online and said he has worked at Cryptic Studios for 16 years on a single game.