Stargate Worlds: An Interview With the Development Team

“Stargate” is a science fiction/action film that centers on a device that allows instantaneous teleportation by creating a wormhole to a complementary device on another planet. Since the movie’s release in 1994, it has continued in novel form and two live action series, stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. Just when you thought interest in Stargate has died down, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment breathes new life to the Stargate franchise with Stargate Worlds. This time it takes the form of an MMO that features squad-based play. IGN’s Jonric sat down with the development team headed by Creative Director Chris Klug and revealed loads of new information about the game.

Klug and his team started the project when a Stargate fan pitched the idea of an MMORPG based on the TV show. They pursued  the idea and with money on hand, convinced MGM to license the product to Cheyenne. The game will feature many worlds and environments, some of which are actual locations from the show. As for the back story, the team feels it’s not too important to gameplay as the show and the MMO share the same one. They’re still working on the elements of the in-game story but it’s assured that the game is “extremely story-driven”.

When asked how the game universe differ from those other persistent state worlds, Klug explains, “The main differences are in the combat system (ranged combat, maneuver is crucial, old MMO archetypes – tank, healer, mage – won’t work) and the emphasis on story linked to the broadcast show. Size is yet to be determined. There are many worlds with lots of different environments. Stargates are the main method of travel, along with some starship travel where gates don’t exist. The game isn’t about travel.”

Though Klug is quite mum about playable characters, there were mild hints of several radically-distinct races. Advancements will be based on skills and levels. Players will be able to choose skills from a tree structure but “maxing out” may occur. Skills will not decay and there will also be a buy-back.

The most exciting part, as with other MMOs, is the combat feature of the game. Combat is going to be fast-paced with emphasis on squad tactics, maneuver and cover. The team’s goal is to deliver an experience that feels like players are taking part in an episode of the TV show. While combat figures in a big way, there’s also a non-combat option for the wussies, err, for the intellectual lot – scientists and archaeologists.

The team is banking on the strength of the franchise and the unique aspects of gameplay to entice a diverse group of veteran players and fans of the show. With a huge online community of fans even when the game hasn’t gone out of the pre-production stage, Stargate Worlds may just be as successful as its predecessors.

“Stargate” is a science fiction/action film that centers on a device that allows instantaneous teleportation by creating a wormhole to a complementary device on another planet. Since the movie’s release in 1994, it has continued in novel form and two live action series, stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. Just when you thought interest in Stargate has died down, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment breathes new life to the Stargate franchise with Stargate Worlds. This time it takes the form of an MMO that features squad-based play. IGN’s Jonric sat down with the development team headed by Creative Director Chris Klug and revealed loads of new information about the game.

Klug and his team started the project when a Stargate fan pitched the idea of an MMORPG based on the TV show. They pursued  the idea and with money on hand, convinced MGM to license the product to Cheyenne. The game will feature many worlds and environments, some of which are actual locations from the show. As for the back story, the team feels it’s not too important to gameplay as the show and the MMO share the same one. They’re still working on the elements of the in-game story but it’s assured that the game is “extremely story-driven”.

When asked how the game universe differ from those other persistent state worlds, Klug explains, “The main differences are in the combat system (ranged combat, maneuver is crucial, old MMO archetypes – tank, healer, mage – won’t work) and the emphasis on story linked to the broadcast show. Size is yet to be determined. There are many worlds with lots of different environments. Stargates are the main method of travel, along with some starship travel where gates don’t exist. The game isn’t about travel.”

Though Klug is quite mum about playable characters, there were mild hints of several radically-distinct races. Advancements will be based on skills and levels. Players will be able to choose skills from a tree structure but “maxing out” may occur. Skills will not decay and there will also be a buy-back.

The most exciting part, as with other MMOs, is the combat feature of the game. Combat is going to be fast-paced with emphasis on squad tactics, maneuver and cover. The team’s goal is to deliver an experience that feels like players are taking part in an episode of the TV show. While combat figures in a big way, there’s also a non-combat option for the wussies, err, for the intellectual lot – scientists and archaeologists.

The team is banking on the strength of the franchise and the unique aspects of gameplay to entice a diverse group of veteran players and fans of the show. With a huge online community of fans even when the game hasn’t gone out of the pre-production stage, Stargate Worlds may just be as successful as its predecessors.