It’s been four months since the initial release of Star Trek Online and the game has been through several highs and lows over that time.  From disturbing news of low player retention all the way to lots of brand new fantastic game content with the launch of Season 1. Through this, the fine folks at Cryptic have been hard at work trying to make this game as enjoyable as possible.  

Now executive producer Craig Z. tells us what we have to look for over the next several months in the wonderful world of Star Trek Online.  Outside of the upcoming releases Season 2, it appears that cryptic has an accolade and squad system planned as well as balance adjustments and UI improvements.

As for the upcoming release of Season 2, it looks like the long lusted after mini games and ship interiors will be making an appearance.  So far playing dabo at Quark’s is the only game listed by name, but it looks like other games are in the works throughout your ship and the galaxy.  Also included in season two; Federation Diplomatic Corp, faction free episodes, bumping the cap, Klingon exclusive episodes, and weekly content.  We can’t wait for the release and it appears it’ll be before the end of July.

Be sure to check out all of the new upcoming additions and their descriptions below.

The Accolade System – I know how much you guys have been wanting this, and I have to admit, I’m pretty stoked about it, too. Track your achievements. How much phaser damage have you dealt in your career? How many Federation officers have you shuffled off this mortal coil (assuming you’re playing a Klingon. No killing your allies, guys!)?

The Squad System – This will let you team up with other players who aren’t in your level, and lets your effectiveness match so you can play together.

Balance Adjustments – We have those DPS/recharge/global-ability-cooldown adjustments that many of our high-end players have been requesting. Log into Tribble and check them out. Give us your feedback! We’re testing it out now, so this is when we need to hear from you the most. Also – don’t forget to log into Tribble to “play with the devs” early next week. We’ll be there, will you?

UI Improvements – We’re working on a window that will show you when rewards happen during normal character advancement (powers, unlocks, bridge officer reqs, etc.).

Bug Fixes and Improvements – We’re always working on fixes and improvements, because a game developer’s job is never done.

Season 2

Minigames – Yes, ThomastheCat, there really is a Santa Claus. Or, at least, there really will be minigames in STO. As of update 1.3, you’ll be able to play Dabo at Quark’s. And we’ll be adding several more minigames throughout your ship and the galaxy in Season 2. There’s a great thread about minigames on the forums. Jump on board and chime in!

Federation Diplomatic Corps – Federation players will be able to focus more on non-combat content and gain rank within the Diplomatic Corps. There are some very cool rewards in there, and some new diplomatic/exploration Episodes and missions. In fact, I played through a new “First Contact” scenario yesterday …

We see a lot of potential for future diplomatic updates.

Faction Free Episodes –The majority of Episodic content we’re adding to STO will be faction-agnostic. Both Klingon and Federation captains will be able to play through this content (although, probably not together – unless you really want to). The Breen Episodes and the high-end episodes in fluidic space will be available to Klingons.

Klingon Exclusive Episodes - Because everyone loves Klingons, right? Season 2 has several Episodes just for Klingons. (The Fek’Lhri are scary, but I so want to fly one of their ships …)

Bumping the Cap – We’re moving the cap up 6 grades to Vice Admiral 1. There will be more rewards and more content for those of you up at the end of the game.

Ship Interiors – I have walked the curved hallways of my crew deck on the way to MY ten-forward …

Weekly Content – We’re looking to start rolling out an Episode every week. Like a “STO Tuesdays” sorta thing (it may even happen on Tuesdays, but no promises on that one). We’ll start rolling out weekly Episodes after Season 2 goes live.

Fleet Logos, High End Content, and Beyond … all before the end of July.

(Source Star Trek Online)