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Stargate Worlds gets updated
Fans of the upcoming sci-fi MMO Stargate Worlds can finally freshen up their websites with a brand spanking new Web kit. The kit includes two exclusive wallpapers, new SGW logo, a logo branding guide (which explains how you can use/not use the logo), favicons, avatars, and an updated FAQ and legal. Plus, four new images have been added to the SGW gallery. These new images show off the planets of Lucia, Tollana, Agnos (nothing really "new" per se since we've seen images of them before). The last new image though is a dozy. How about the very first look at a female Jaffa (seen above)! She's one bad mutha. Look at the legs on her!
April Fools' in Stargate Worlds
view original : close The dev team for Stargate Worlds has decided to change the direction of the in-game armor. Apparently, this decision was based on how much everyone loved the human body armor seen in the SGW trailer. Due to that overwhelming love fest... all races will now have the same exact armor. SGW Creative Director Chris Klug is ecstatic about the decision: "We'll have a lot more time to work on other ideas, such as Asgard golf." Oh fun... golf. Technical Director Demetrius Comes said, "It's going to so be much easier to code now that we will have only one kind of armor for all player characters." Senior Marketing Manager Kevin Balentine chimed in with: "I don't think it's necessary to distinguish the different races by different armor sets." It seems there are other ways to distinguish species on the battlefield. In fact, they're painting the bad guys red and the good guys blue (see the above pic). Balentine, obviously stuck far too long with only his marketing companion cube as company, doesn't think that's ever been tried before. Nope... not ever.
Watch a Stargate Worlds artist's video dev diary
Cheyenne Mountain has released a developer profile of Stargate Worlds artist Jake Johnson, who works on all sorts of visual assets -- most prominently the attractive skies of the game's many planets. Johnson talks about how he landed the Stargate gig, the assets he had the most fun creating, and the process he employs to create sky domes. Oh, and his favorite season of SG-1 -- Season 2. Good choice, Jake! Every one knows Sokar was the coolest SG-1 villain!SGW's skies aren't just skybox textures, apparently; Johnson composes a geosphere to blanket the game world. Planets and other celestial objects can be placed inside it after the fact. The video includes a sneak peak at the sky of the planet Dakara, so that's pretty cool. Also, there's a gigantic Stargate replica in the studio lobby. Nice!The clip is worth a look, if only for snickering at all the miscellaneous gaming memorabilia littering the art department's desks, including a copy of Battlefield 2, Mario 1UP mushrooms, and an XBox 360 controller. But don't take the controller as a hint; Cheyenne's Joe Ybarra made it clear in an interview a few days ago that the team is focusing on the PC for now.
SGW images depict spacesuits, Egyptian mythology
Outer space and Egyptology; it was out of the marriage of these two things that the original Stargate movie was born. While the popular TV series Stargate SG-1 and even more so its spinoff Stargate Atlantis have moved away from Ancient Egypt over the years to explore other mythologies or Star Trek-style science-driven-concepts like self-replicating nanobots gone mad, rest assured that the Egyptian motif is still intact in Cheyenne Mountain's MMO Stargate Worlds.The evidence: the above, decidedly-Egyptian screenshot, which is one of four new images just released to the game's official gallery. Note the awesome-looking disintegrating moon in the sky. Sweet! To cover the outer space side of things, one of the other images depicts artist's conceptions of humans' spacesuits. The other two images: concept art of a war-torn, bunker-type area, and yet another screenshot of forest ruins.
Getting technical with a Stargate
Stargate Worlds' Technology Director, Demetrius Comes, recently got technobabbley about what goes on behind the curtain of their upcoming sci-fi epic.SGW uses Epic's Unreal 3 engine under the hood for the graphical shock and awe. Big World technologies powers the servers, but did you know that neither engine is exactly what they needed? As Comes put it, they rolled their own glue to get the two engines to work together. But there's a third component - a powerful content creation tool - they call "SpecSuite." It's used to create spawns, enter the data for the AI, create items, mobs, loot tables, etc.
Cheyenne Mountain working on second MMO
Gamasutra spoke with Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's Joe Ybarra about the Phoenix-based company's ambitious plans for the future. And boy are they ambitious -- especially for a company that has not yet released a single title, as Gamasutra noted.Ybarra revealed that the Cheyenne has four active studios, and that Stargate Worlds isn't the only MMO in development. He didn't offer many details about the other title, except to say that it's "considerably less in scope" and that it uses a free-to-play/microtransactions model. Seems like everyone is going that direction these days.He also touched on the company's desire to develop original intellectual properties, and noted that it's considering changing its name to something representative of its now-broad scope, as "Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment" is a reference to Stargate franchise lore. Cheyenne Mountain is the compound in which the Stargate secretly program operates.
New SGW stuff comes through the gate
The Stargate Worlds website recently released four new images (2 screenshots and 2 concept pieces). The concept artwork details an Asian-themed world while the two screenshots show off Agnos and Lucia.But it's not all about the images though. Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment wants to hear from you if you operate a fan web site about their upcoming sci-fi MMO. They're updating their database and want to make sure your site gets on their list. And no, it's not so they can send you a cease and decease letter. On the contrary in fact! When CME releases news and information about Stargate Worlds they want to make sure you know about it.So if you fit that bill, be sure to check out the list of needs at the SGW website.%Gallery-18767%
Game Informer gets some Stargate goodies
A new issue of the popular print magazine Game Informer has an in-depth Q&A with creative director Chris Klug and studio head Dan Elggren from Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment about Stargate Worlds. While you can get a sneak peek from Game Informer's website, you need to have a subscription to access it. Or, you can just pick it up at the newsstand like the rest of us schlubs. And according to the Stargate Worlds website, you'll want do just that. Apparently the magazine has some never-before-seen content - including the very first look at what combat will look like in the game itself. They also give a snipet from the interview which talks about how players can use the environment as a buff in combat (players will receive a boost not only in damage dealt, but how much damage can be taken). This feature sounds a lot like what's already in place in Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa.The exclusive images found in Game Informer will eventually be posted on StargateWorlds.com, so if you can't get the mag (or just don't want to)... stay tuned.
Behold SGW's Battle Walker
The Stargate Worlds site revealed three new screenshots and piece of concept art yesterday. The three screenshots show the planets Lucia, Anima Vitrus and Tollan, while the concept art sketch shows the badness that is the Battle Walker (seen above).If those things are playable... I want one!Expect to see more new images In the coming weeks. Check out the Stargate Worlds Gallery for the visual treats.
Inspecting the Asgard drone
The Senior Systems Designer for Stargate Worlds is Chris Bernert. In an exclusive (to SGW forum members) chat he reveals the inner workings of the Asgard drone. Referred to as "The Little Grey Dude Enabler," it does all the dirty work for the Asgards, who aren't the most agile or physically formidable race you'll run across. As such, the drone is the "backbone" of the Asgard archetype. Want to know more? Well, since it's an exclusive to forum members only we don't want to steal their thunder (or piss them off). So head over to the site, sign up, and get reading!
A Stargate Worlds progress report
MPOGD.com recently interviewed CME's Senior Marketing Manager Kevin Balentine and asked him for a progress report on the highly anticipated Stargate Worlds. Here' a few brief highlights from their interview: SGW won't offer player-controlled vehicles - at launch. While the sci-fi MMO will be solo-able, it's designed for community play. The enemy AI will react like first-person shooter opponents, flanking and using cover to engage the player. During a new video trailer showed to them (which did not show any in-game combat or PvE involvement) , the MPOGD guys said the graphics sported by the Unreal 3 graphics engine looked good. When asked how SGW would exist along side the MMO King, World of Warcraft, Balentine responded with: "We co-exist nicely with WoW...because sometimes, you know, you just want to take your P90 and shoot things up." Nice! Head over to MPOGD to read the full interview and see some exclusive screenshots.
Chat with a world builder
Ever feel like chatting with a world builder? I'm not talking 'bout the religious Almighty who "built" this world in seven days. Hey, wouldn't it be nice if MMO worlds could be built that fast?Seriously though, if you want to know what goes into building an MMO world here's your chance. The world builder for Stargate Worlds - Derek Sunshine (what a bright, happy name!) - will be the special guest on this Saturday's SG1-Radio program (5pm EST). Derek will be there to answer your questions (log in to http://sgwirc.com and fire away!), discuss gaming, talk about the Stargate franchise, and generally illuminate listeners by revealing what it is he does at Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment.
Stargate's Comedy Line Countdown contest closes
If you were paying attention way back on February 1, you'll recall that we gibber-jabbered about the Stargate Worlds Comedy Line Countdown contest. In that post we mentioned that you had 30 days to work your mad video and comedy skillz. Well, time's up. Hopefully you were one of the nearly 200 videos made and submitted by fans. If you didn't, too bad. You might want to skedaddle on over to the SGW YouTube Group and see if you could have done better. Although submissions are no longer accepted you can still post your own "hilarious" lines to the group. But they better be funny. You don't want to look like a Jaffa now do you? Expect to see a SGW video podcast featuring the finalists later this month.
How to get into the Stargate Worlds beta
Oh, so you want to jump headfirst into an untested Stargate do you? Well, listen up soldier. Right now the ONLY way to get into the beta (keep your knickers on - it hasn't begun yet!) is to be a member of the Stargate Worlds Forum. According to Katie Postma (Senior Community Manager), until such time as they (they being Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment) actually has a beta capture process implemented all you have to do is register on the forum website. They'll be sending out invitations over the upcoming months based on the emails found in their forum database.Why are you still here reading this soldier? Go register already!
CME wants to know: How do you want your Stargate?
Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment wants to know what you want to see in the upcoming Stargate Worlds Collector's Edition boxed set. Both inside and out. Everyone has to have a collector's edition boxed set, and I'm all for them... as long as their is intrinsic added value. And I'm not jut talking about some flashy collectible cards, a glossy concept art book, or an extra DVD full of behind the scenes whatnot. Those are nifty baubles that Gollum-like folk might be entranced by, but I want something more pertinent. Something that's really worth my money.So if you're like me and want extra bling for your in-game characters, things like rare weapons, a vehicle, special emotes, equipment, buffs and other stuff that really sets your character apart from the pack... the discussion is already underway over in the official Stargate Worlds forums. Let them hear your opinions! Kudos to the CME gang for actually wanting player input on this. Don't squander the opportunity.
Behold the Jaffa!
The Assistant Art Director for Stargate Worlds, Nick Heitzman, chatted with StargateWorlds.com about the inspiration behind the look of the Jaffa. At first blush I'd say steroid enhanced NFL linemen. But that's just me. Heitzman said he wanted them to look "strong, sexy and exuding an aura of command." Welp, I'd say he hit it right on the head. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to meet up with these guys in a dark alley! The Jaffa will be bigger, more muscular and militarily precise in their movements. Heitzman compared them to Spartans in both their clothing and armor choices, preferring function over form, with color tones hearkening back to Greece and Rome. Endowed with peak physical conditioning honed by constant training and a fanatical devotion to achieving higher levels of effectiveness, the Jaffa really will be like the "Steel Curtain." All I know is, if I can be a Jaffa... that's what I'll be playing! In addition to this nugget o' knowledge, the Stargate Worlds Gallery has been updated with pictures of the Jaffa (see above), vehicles, and containers for Anima Vitru.
Ask the SGW Creative Director anything... really
The great thing about the myriad of fan sites and official community forums for games these days is that they give gamers unprecedented access to those people actually making the games. Back in the early days, when this industry was still crawling around on it's hands and knees, gamers were lucky to even know the name of the development company let alone have direct communication with the men and women down in the trenches.Chris Klug (Creative Director for Stargate Worlds) is literally giving players the chance to ask him whatever they want. "Ask me anything, really," invites Klug. "Personal, game-related, whatever you want. If I know and can tell you, I will. If I know and I can't tell you yet, I'll tell you that. I'll tell you why we did stuff... this is a 'no b.s.' zone." Gotta love frankness like that!
SGW's Sean Dugan chats with MMOZone
Sean Dugan, the content lead and head writer for Stargate Worlds, recently sat down with MMOZone and revealed a Pharaoh's tomb worth of info regarding their upcoming MMO.At launch the level cap will be 50, and the plan is for players to be able to achieve this by running just the main story missions. It should take approximately 200 -250 hours of gameplay to reach. When asked about the endgame, Dugan stated it will be significant and engage the players for a considerable length of time. When asked how much time one could expect to spend on each world Dugan said it will vary because some worlds are huge, while other are "gigantinormous." MMOZone also asked if he could reveal any spoilers. Normally, the pat answer is - "what are you smoking?" This time though Sean actually revealed a few things. Players will apparently get to re-visit forgotten allies, see places only hinted at in the show, explore Ancient cities devastated by the plague, and witness the formation of the Lucian alliance.I so hope this game pans out to be as good as it sounds! For the whole rucksack o' goodies, check out MMOZone's full interview.
RPG Vault: Stargate Worlds Diary #4
Chris Klug, Creative Director for Stargate Worlds, continues his chat about the power of choice in a new dev diary on RPG Vault. In it he deconstructs a mission from Earth & Beyond wherein the player must listen to his conscience -- and make an important choice.Chris says that to successfully deconstruct the mission it is imperative that we understand what emotion the writer wanted for his audience. At the heart of any well written story... be it anything, is this: a creator manipulating the audience to feel something. Sure, it happens all the times in books, movies and television shows... but how often does that happen in a video game? When was the last time you actually felt something - something with emotional complexity, not the adrenaline rush you get from fragging 17 people in a row - during a video game? For me it was playing Bioshock. More specifically, when was the last time you felt a true emotional response during an MMO?Morality and player's conscious have been a hot button topic of late. In his weekly column, Building a Better MMOusetrap, our own Dave Moss talks about morality in video games. In fact, he asks: can there really be moral choices in an online world? From a purely creative standpoint all of this "esoteric" thinking is fascinating. I'm glad to see that these philosophical questions are being asked because they will have to be answered if video games are to evolve to the next level, one that requires a true moralistic choice to be made. Check out Chris' fascinating article (which includes three brand new pieces of SGW concept art), peruse Dave's article then let us know what you think.
Writing a Stargate story
WarCry has a very interesting dev journal up from Sean Dugan, the Lead Content Designer for Stargate Worlds. In the entry Sean asks, "When I say Stargate, what do you think of?" Good question, especially when you consider that the show has 10 years worth of mythology, a movie, and two TV shows (with one more on the way). The bottom line: each us has a different interpretation of what Stargate is, and that becomes their biggest problem when creating content for SGW. With all of that, where do you set the game? After all the research was done CME found a "sweet spot" -- between seasons 8 and 9 in the SG-1 timeline -- to plop what takes place in SGW without violating canon. The line these guys have to walk is so thin it makes Paris Hilton look obese. They have to simultaneously keep the game fun and exciting without stepping over canon boundaries, all the while not letting the series characters overshadow the players characters. Wow. I for one can't wait to see the final results. Check out Sean's entry, then come back here and let us know your thoughts. What comes to mind when you think of Stargate, and are you looking forward to the upcoming MMO?
