Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds is not resting in peace as new lawsuit emerges]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/stargate-worlds-is-not-resting-in-peace-as-new-lawsuit-emerges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/stargate-worlds-is-not-resting-in-peace-as-new-lawsuit-emerges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/stargate-worlds-is-not-resting-in-peace-as-new-lawsuit-emerges/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Stargate World image
Travel back two years to when Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment was filing for bankruptcy and (unsuccessfully) attempting to sever ties with Gary Whiting, Chairman and CEO of the company. Stargate fans watched as their hopes for an MMO were dashed.

Fast forward to present day, when Stargate Worlds appears back in the news. Unfortunately for fans, it has nothing to do with offering a sliver of hope that the game itself might also revive; instead, more lawsuits are being filed against Whiting and other Cheyenne employees.

The newest lawsuit filed in Arizona includes 17 plaintiffs who accuse Whiting of misleading investors in various ways to obtain their cash. Some of the allegations leveled at Whiting include "negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, common-law fraud and securities fraud"; he's also accused of issuing loans to himself from the company's funds -- money that may still be in Whiting's possession, according to Cheyenne Mountain's court-appointed receiver, Keith Bierman of Phoenix-based MCA Financial Group.

MassivelyStargate Worlds is not resting in peace as new lawsuit emerges originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmegary-whitinglawsuitlawsuitslegallegal-issuesstargatestargate-worldsTue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten
While 1982's Tron explored what virtual life might be like inside a massive video game, it wasn't until fairly recently that real MMOs have crossed the divide between niche and mainstream to be referenced in television and films. Depending on how you see it, this mainstream acceptance of geek culture can be a thing to be either celebrated or shunned. What's for certain, however, is that we've only started to see the beginning of such mentions.

In today's Perfect Ten, I cobbled together a list of the first 10 MMO references that I know of from movies and TV shows. Some might be nothing more than a background detail or a throwaway line, while others are completely centered around the advertisement, er, massively multiplayer online roleplaying game. I tried hard not to use "cheats" such as fake MMOs featured in shows like The Guild, so this list is all about real-world titles with no sugar substitutes.

Ready? Insert quarter and hit player one!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccity-of-heroescohcsicsi-nyeqeverquestfeaturedgary-sinesegrandmas-boyhow-i-met-your-motherlistlistslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroncisopinionperfect-10perfect-tenphilly-jimriftsecond-lifesgwsouth-parkstargate-universestargate-worldsthe-big-bang-theorythe-fellows-hipthe-new-guythe-officethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentronturbineworld-of-warcraftwowzombielandThu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jim Brown interview talks Stargate Worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/new-jim-brown-interview-talks-stargate-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/new-jim-brown-interview-talks-stargate-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/new-jim-brown-interview-talks-stargate-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fan website SaveStargate.org has posted the second part of its two-part interview with Jim Brown, one of the principle figures in the development of the troubled Stargate Worlds MMORPG. Alongside colleagues Todd Ellering and Daryl Wofford, Brown pitched the original idea for the sci-fi MMO to MGM way back in 2002, and went on to serve as the creative director at Dark Comet Games.

The first part of the interview lays out the working relationship between the original team and controversial fundraiser Gary Whiting, as well as a bit of background on Cheyenne Mountain's troubles and the formation of Dark Comet. Part two touches on Brown's views regarding the current licensing situation, how close Stargate Worlds came to actually releasing, and what fans can do to make their voices heard for the future of the Stargate gaming franchise.

"Let them [MGM] know you want Stargate games. That's the biggest thing. If CME can manage to succeed with SGW and SGR, that's great, and that means not only will you have those games to play, but there will be more that follow from other studios," Brown says.

MassivelyNew Jim Brown interview talks Stargate Worlds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentdark-cometdark-comet-gamesgary-whitinginterviewjim-brownmgmsci-fisgwstargatestargate-worldsThu, 30 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge awards Stargate Worlds assets to Cheyenne Mountain, MGM terminates license [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/judge-awards-stargate-worlds-assets-to-cheyenne-mountain-mgm-te/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/judge-awards-stargate-worlds-assets-to-cheyenne-mountain-mgm-te/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/judge-awards-stargate-worlds-assets-to-cheyenne-mountain-mgm-te/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The saga of Stargate Worlds took another interesting twist this week as an Arizona judge ended the legal battle over the assets of Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment. The company -- which is currently languishing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection -- will retain control of all its game-related resources. The action settles a fraud complaint initiated by Cheyenne against Dark Comet Games and Fresh Start Studios, both formed by former Cheyenne employees looking to use company materials for the Stargate Resistance shooter released earlier this year.

Though the ruling grants Cheyenne full control of its Stargate assets, completion of the long-suffering Stargate Worlds MMORPG is doubtful due to the recent expiration of the IP license from MGM Studios. Cheyenne founder Gary Whiting told the gaming blog Nerdvana that MGM issued a termination notice on November 3rd. While the notice doesn't affect Stargate Resistance, it does provide a huge obstacle for MCA Financial Group's bid to save the license for Stargate Worlds. MCA is a Phoenix-based company called in to supervise Cheyenne's restructuring under Chapter 11.

[Update: Apparently, there's some discrepancy with what Nerdvana is reporting, or what Gary Whiting is saying. This blog post explains a bit more on how the judge actually didn't award full control of SGW back to Cheyenne.]

MassivelyJudge awards Stargate Worlds assets to Cheyenne Mountain, MGM terminates license [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyennecheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentdark-comet-gamesfresh-start-studiofresh-start-studiosgary-whitinglegalmgmmmo-industryrulingsgwstargatestargate-resistanceStargate-WorldsWed, 10 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment sells off Stargate assets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-sells-off-stargate-assets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-sells-off-stargate-assets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-sells-off-stargate-assets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's a troubling day for an already-troubled studio, as Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment has sold off Stargate Resistance -- the third-person shooter title that was made to help keep the company afloat and fund further development of Stargate Worlds -- to a startup company called Fresh Start. Fresh Start is comprised of former Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment employees, which means that the title is still in the hands of its makers.

Gamer/Law breaks down the recent events, and notes the salient details: that Fresh Start is in a joint venture agreement with CME to receive and run all of CME's assets (including Stargate Resistance), CME has the option to buy back these assets in the future, and there is no official word on Stargate Worlds. Gamer/Law speculates that there is either "some unpublicised arrangement has been entered into, or Cheyenne's Stargate MMO rights are an asset to be sold to satisfy creditors, or (possibly) Cheyenne has lost those rights following its entry into bankruptcy."

If you haven't been following the long, painful saga of CME and Stargate Worlds, suffice to say that this promising MMO suffered from lack of employee pay, devs jumping ship, extensive layoffs, lawsuits, Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a vague suit brought against former CEO Gary Whiting, and the sudden shift from developing SGW to getting Stargate Resistance out the door. However, whether this latest development will be a positive one to offer hope for a SGW resurrection or the death knell for the game has yet to be seen.

MassivelyCheyenne Mountain Entertainment sells off Stargate assets originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchapter-11cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmefresh-startgary-whitingsgwstargate-resistanceStargate-WorldsMon, 29 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment refused requested board changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-refused-requested-board-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-refused-requested-board-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-refused-requested-board-changes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The last thing we'd heard from Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, they were filing for Bankruptcy protection, and were attempting to sever all ties with Gary Whiting, Chairman and CEO of the company. However, according to a filing unearthed by Martuk over on the Ten Ton Hammer forums, it would appear that their motion to remove him -- and the restraining order against him -- were denied by the courts.

Rumors of financial mismanagement and all manner of shenanigans by Whiting and others have been rumbling around for quite some time. Thankfully, the court did see fit to intervene insofar as to require both parties to name two people they would recommend for receivership -- in essence, someone to protect the company from any further wrongdoing. The question now becomes how this is going to play out in terms of the future for Stargate Worlds, considering what is becoming of the court battle and the seeming rancor between parties involved. We'll be sure to keep you up to date as the story progresses.

MassivelyCheyenne Mountain Entertainment refused requested board changes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcycheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmecourt-casefinancial-mismanagementgary-whitinglegallegal-filingsreceivershiprestraining-ordersgwshenanigansstargate-worldsThu, 25 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheyenne files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, severs ties with Gary Whiting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/cheyenne-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-severs-ties-with-gary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/cheyenne-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-severs-ties-with-gary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/cheyenne-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-severs-ties-with-gary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Anyone who has been keeping an eye on the situation surrounding Stargate Worlds, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment and related publishing company FireSky, knows that there's been trouble brewing for some time. We've seen struggles to get funding, employees going unpaid, lawsuits for unpaid bills, and some of the studio's main names leaving the building. Still, they just released the FPS based on the work they'd been doing for Stargate Worlds, called Stargate: Resistance. The hope was that S:R would give Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment a much needed cash infusion.

Now, news has come to light that not only has Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection, but they've also severed all ties with Gary Whiting -- former Chairman and CEO of CME. Add to that, the shareholders and Cheyenne Mountain have joined forces against Whiting in civil case (CV2010-003106) filed in Maricopa County, naming many other ventures including the curious "interactive social network," MMOGuls Inc. as co-defendants, in a civil complaint "alleging various wrong doing against the Company."

A statement detailing the company's current status was posted today to the Stargate Worlds forums. We've included it behind the break for those interested. In the meantime, let's hope that the change in leadership, combined with a reorganization under Chapter 11, and the release of Stargate: Resistance proves to be the boon that Cheyenne Mountain needs to get back on track -- and into the black.

Continue reading Cheyenne files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, severs ties with Gary Whiting

MassivelyCheyenne files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, severs ties with Gary Whiting originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fans have been waiting for the Stargate:Worlds MMO for what feels like forever, and a few weeks ago got a surprise in the form of a Stargate shooter instead of any more news on the MMO. We got a brief explanation on the reasoning behind this, but Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment covered things in a bit more detail yesterday. The CME team took some time to discuss Stargate:Resistance with fansite GateWorld, and also talked quite a bit about the decision to shelf Stargate:Worlds for the time being.

As producer Kathryn Dutchin pointed out the answer isn't a cut-and-dried, single-sentence explanation. When a long-running, extensive project like Stargate:Worlds begins to run into trouble, there are a lot of decisions to be made, questions to be answered, and problems to be sorted out, and it takes time. The ultimate goal is obviously to complete the project as originally intended, but there comes a point where the team is forced to say "This isn't going to happen. What next?"

"What next" in this case is Stargate: Resistance, but we'll wish CME the best of luck and continue keeping our fingers crossed for that MMO. The full interview is a must read for fans of either game, and can be found here.

MassivelyCheyenne Mountain Entertainment: What happened to SGW? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentCMEinterviewsgwstargate-resistancestargate-shooterStargate-WorldsWed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment reveals Stargate shooter instead of MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-reveals-stargate-shooter-instead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-reveals-stargate-shooter-instead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-reveals-stargate-shooter-instead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After over two years of work on Stargate Worlds and an increasingly dubious outlook, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment launched a website revealing Stargate Resistance. The game defines itself as a third-person shooter, and is scheduled for a release very soon -- Q1 2010.

This is a bit of a startling development for fans who have been anticipating Stargate Worlds, as well as those who have given up on the franchise completely. So what does this mean for Stargate Worlds? Information is a little scattered, but SGW team member fan Ian Stock gave the most concise explanation: "SGW will be worked on; but at a much lower rate compared to that of Resistance...That is until such a time when SG:R has become comfortable financially (enough) to then begin ramping up SGW again."

The latest news on the Stargate Worlds site highlights the screenshots that were revealed back in November, so the Stargate Worlds development team seems to have moved their attention to Stargate Resistance for the time being.

MassivelyCheyenne Mountain Entertainment reveals Stargate shooter instead of MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentCMEstargatestargate-resistanceStargate-Worldsthird-person-shooterWed, 09 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds: We're still kicking, the pics prove it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It's been a long, difficult road for Stargate Worlds -- a game that has been mired in financial woes for quite some time. Now and again we do get to report some positive news about the sci-fi MMO, but it's clear that Stargate Worlds isn't out of the woods quite yet. Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment recently made an announcement to the game's fan community, thanking them for their support through tough times. CME stated, "We know you expect nothing less than the AAA content in Stargate Worlds our development team is working hard to give you along with some additional exciting news we will be revealing very soon! We want to thank everyone for their continued support and passion for Stargate Worlds and we can't wait to show you more of what we've been cooking up over here."

As to what they've been working on, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment released some new screenshots of the armor and weapons for the Goa'uld, Jaffa, Soldier, and Scientist classes. CME explains, "Each of these armor sets will have unique traits that make them ideal for certain situations. As players become familiar with each world and the various environments they will encounter, they will discover which sets of armor best suit their play." The most recent Stargate Worlds images can be seen at the top of the gallery on the SGW Community Site.

Gallery: Stargate Worlds Screenshot Gallery

MassivelyStargate Worlds: We're still kicking, the pics prove it originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorcheyenne-mountain-entertainmentclassescmegoauldjaffammo-industrysci-fiscientistsgwsoldierstargatestargate-worldsweaponsMon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds site returns, but funding still tight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/stargate-worlds-site-returns-but-funding-still-tight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/stargate-worlds-site-returns-but-funding-still-tight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/stargate-worlds-site-returns-but-funding-still-tight/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Over the weekend the Stargate Worlds site had planned a bit of maintenance which took their site offline on the 9th. From what we know now, the plan was that they would be migrating servers since they've been experiencing problems with their hosting. Many expected the site to be back up within a day or so - a normal time-frame for a DNS change and many cases of forum maintenance. When the entire site hadn't come back up by the 12th - and their Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites remained eerily silent - we decided to reach out to them and see how things were going.

While we're glad to see that the Stargate Worlds web site is now back on line, the note that we received back from Timothy N. Jenson, President and CEO of Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment was a bit disheartening. While the team remains optimistic, it indicates that they are continuing to have funding issues despite the news that they'd picked up new investors in the tail-end of August. For those interested in reading the full statement we received, we've included it behind the break.

Continue reading Stargate Worlds site returns, but funding still tight

MassivelyStargate Worlds site returns, but funding still tight originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmemgmserver-outagessgwstargate-worldsWed, 14 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds makes its television debut]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/stargate-worlds-makes-its-television-debut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/stargate-worlds-makes-its-television-debut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/stargate-worlds-makes-its-television-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Stargate Universe premiered last night, and sharp-eyed fans may have gotten a glimpse of the long-promised Stargate Worlds MMO. SGU slipped the footage in as part of Eli Wallace's story.

David Blue plays the character of Eli Wallace, a gamer who accidentally found his way into the Icarus program. "Some of his friends in the gaming world have told him that there is a puzzle in the game that can't be solved. So from Eli's point of view, that of course means that he has to solve it. He spends a month of his life working on this puzzle trying to figure it out and in doing so, ends up getting the attention of Stargate Command.", says Blue. The puzzle turns out to contain embedded code, and before he knows it, Eli finds himself aboard a spaceship, recruited to solve a much larger puzzle.

The game that Eli is seen playing is none other than Stargate Worlds. News of this on the official site (the first update since May 26th), sparked some excitement among fans. However, it also left them wondering: does this mean hope for the game, or does it just mean the video clip was handy?

MassivelyStargate Worlds makes its television debut originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgmmgm-interactivestargatestargate-worldsSat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds receives new funding, development to continue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/stargate-worlds-receives-new-funding-development-to-continue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/stargate-worlds-receives-new-funding-development-to-continue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/stargate-worlds-receives-new-funding-development-to-continue/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The sci-fi MMO Stargate Worlds had mostly fallen off of our radar, and with good reason. It's seemed that Stargate Worlds would not see a release -- the developer Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment faced major cash flow issues resulting in employees not being paid and subsequent lawsuits. There were also departures of some of the major individuals connected with the game's development that painted a grim picture. There has been the occasional glimmer of hope of obtaining more funding, though, and some of the Stargate Worlds team has stuck with the project as additional financing for the title was sought. Now it seems things may be turning around for Stargate Worlds with the latest bit of info we came across, that Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment has gotten that needed funding.

Dana Massey over at MMORPG.com recently spoke with CME about where the project stands. Massey writes, "Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment has received the funding that they believe will allow them to complete work on Stargate Worlds, and eventually pay back vendors and past and present employees who are still owed back pay."

Continue reading Stargate Worlds receives new funding, development to continue

MassivelyStargate Worlds receives new funding, development to continue originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmecreative-directordana-masseyfireskymmo-industrymmorpg.comnew-titlessci-fisgwshane-hensleystargatestargate-worldsFri, 21 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Stargate Worlds facing an August 1st deadline to raise capital]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/rumor-stargate-worlds-facing-an-august-1st-deadline-to-raise-ca/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/rumor-stargate-worlds-facing-an-august-1st-deadline-to-raise-ca/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/rumor-stargate-worlds-facing-an-august-1st-deadline-to-raise-ca/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Stargate fans have long since been left wondering what's been going on with Stargate Worlds, but come August 1st -- or sometime soon thereafter -- their wait may finally be over. The rumor stems from a claim made by a recently departed employee who claims MGM has given Firesky until the beginning of next month to acquire funding or face having the licensed pulled.

Apparently a group of doctors who could potentially invest up to $8 million are the game's last hope. However, the same ex-employee says there's little chance the deal will actually go through by the deadline. Shane Hensley, Firesky's director of new business development, has said that they're continuing to speak with investors -- including the doctors. While he also says they've never considered scrapping the project, he doesn't deny the claim, either.

Ultimately, Hensley has hope but seems to be realistic about the situation, saying, "I doubt this will last much longer, but those who are here currently are amazingly dedicated and continue to make progress on our projects despite the circumstances." We'll keep you updated on any new progress, and hopefully there's a happy ending to all of this, even though our instincts are currently warning us to think otherwise.

MassivelyRumor: Stargate Worlds facing an August 1st deadline to raise capital originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustcheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmefireskymgmrumorsgwshane-hensleystargate-worldsFri, 24 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firesky confirms Dan Elggren's departure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/firesky-confirms-dan-elggrens-departure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/firesky-confirms-dan-elggrens-departure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/firesky-confirms-dan-elggrens-departure/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We reported earlier this week about rumours that Stargate Worlds' Executive Producer Dan Elggren had left Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment/Firesky for Gazillion Entertainment. However, the reasons for his decision were left rather vague aside from excerpts from Elggren's family blog. Firesky's Kevin Ballentine officially commented on his departure in an MMORPG.com blog post:

"While we are saddened by Dan's departure, we believe that Stargate Worlds will benefit from this unforeseen change. Dan's guidance has been crucial to getting Stargate Worlds to this point, but we believe fresh eyes may find ways to improve the game moving forward. We wish to express our appreciation to Dan for all he has done for our company and wish him the best of success in his new endeavors. Dan will be transitioning his responsibilities to Rod Nakamoto, senior vice president of product development, over the next week."

MassivelyFiresky confirms Dan Elggren's departure originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-en...cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentdan-elggrenfireskyfiresky-llcgazillion-entertainmentstargate-worldsFri, 15 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds studio head leaves company for Gazillion Entertainment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/stargate-worlds-studio-head-leaves-company-for-gazillion-enterta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/stargate-worlds-studio-head-leaves-company-for-gazillion-enterta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/stargate-worlds-studio-head-leaves-company-for-gazillion-enterta/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Dan Elggren has apparently left troubled Stargate Worlds developer Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment / Firesky for recently announced Gazillion Entertainment. This news certainly doesn't bode well for CME, who've been having financial trouble for a long while now. Dan is merely the most recent departure, although he seems to have weathered the storm longer than most.

What does this mean for Stargate Worlds? Well considering all the financial issues and employee departures, it sadly points to a game that's less and less likely to ever see launch day. Frankly, it'd probably take a funding miracle to finish the project and in this currently downtrodden economy most investors probably won't be taking much risk.

Moreover, what do we make of this MMO industry vacuum that is Gazillion Entertainment? They also picked up Jumpgate Evolution developer NetDevil last year while in stealth mode, and something tells us they're not done absorbing talent just yet. So much is known about the company and yet much more remains a mystery. Maybe they've got enough money to release Stargate Worlds, although they may not have the mind. Whatever ends up happening, we're sorry to see anything like this ever happen to an MMO, pre or post launch.

MassivelyStargate Worlds studio head leaves company for Gazillion Entertainment originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmedan-elggrenfireskygazilliongazillion-entertainmentjgejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilsgwstargatestargate-worldsWed, 13 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which sci-fi MMOs are you looking forward to?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/the-daily-grind-which-sci-fi-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/the-daily-grind-which-sci-fi-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/the-daily-grind-which-sci-fi-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Star Wars: The Old Republic, Earthrise, Fallen Earth, Star Trek Online, Jumpgate Evolution, Global Agenda, Black Prophecy, the Fallout MMO (maybe), Blackstar, Otherland, StarGate Worlds, and even more. It seems that if you're a hardcore sci-fi fan, now is a really good time to be an MMO player with all the options coming soon in terms of upcoming MMOs. You've got everything from the blended fantasy/sci-fi to favorite movie and gaming IPs to all-new concepts to dig into and enjoy. Of course, with such a large influx coming, this morning we thought we'd ask you what some of your most anticipated sci-fi MMOs are? Which ones are you trying like mad to get into the betas for? Which ones are just kind of "meh" on your radar? If you've got more than one, which one do you think might reign supreme among your choices?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which sci-fi MMOs are you looking forward to? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecyblackstarbpearthrisefallen-earthfalloutfallout-mmofegaglobal-agendajgejumpgate-evolutionmmommofpsmmorpgotherlandsci-fisgwstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstargate-worldsstoswtorThu, 23 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 48]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-48/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-48/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-48/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 48 returns this week with more news of the wider MMO world. Shawn is joined by contributing editors Krystalle Voecks and Colin Brennan as they talk about everything from WAR's first official city takeover to FusionFall's 4 million member milestone. It's sure to have something for everyone!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 48

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 48 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conancheyenne-mountain-entertainmentfallout-mmofuncomfusionfallmassively-speakingmasthead-studiospodcastingpodcastsstargate-worldsthe-secret-worldturbinewarhammer-onlineWed, 08 Apr 2009 12:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 48Massively.com Staff41:10podcasts<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds marches onwards and upwards, says development team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/stargate-worlds-marches-onwards-and-upwards-says-development-te/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/stargate-worlds-marches-onwards-and-upwards-says-development-te/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/stargate-worlds-marches-onwards-and-upwards-says-development-te/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"Our official response is that the lights here are still on and the development team is working hard every day to get this game built." say the developers of Stargate Worlds in an open letter to the community at large. This response comes in light of the not-too-pleased state that Stargate executive producer Brad Wright was in concerning the game's overall progress.

But Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment says that while the global economic downturn has affected the team, they are still plugging away seven days a week on the game while being supported by altruistic investors -- whom we hope have the clout to see the game through to completion.

The message closes with the assurance that CME is negotiating several deals to cover their financial responsibilities and fund development up through launch, and that when it happens they'll let us know. So until that fateful day comes, they'll keep developing, we'll keep reporting and everyone will assuredly be giving the team their best wishes.

MassivelyStargate Worlds marches onwards and upwards, says development team originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmeeconomyfireskylaunchsgwstargatestargate-worldsWed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview gives more perspective on the state of Stargate Worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/interview-gives-more-perspective-on-the-state-of-stargate-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/interview-gives-more-perspective-on-the-state-of-stargate-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/interview-gives-more-perspective-on-the-state-of-stargate-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We take no pleasure in pointing out the difficulties a new MMO faces in making it to market, even less so when members of our own team are big fans of the IP an upcoming game is built upon. Regardless, if something's happening in the MMO world we've got to point it out, as is the case with Stargate Worlds and the difficulties it's having along the way.

Darren Sumner, writing for GateWorld, recently spoke with Stargate executive producer Brad Wright (who serves as a creative consultant on Stargate Worlds) about the title. Although it's officially still in development at Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment and slated to be published by their partner company FireSky, there's no release in sight.

When asked about the status of Stargate Worlds, Wright tells GateWorld, "We don't know. It's a shame. If it doesn't happen - and, let's be honest, it should be happening now if it was happening. It's a shame. It's a terrible shame."

Continue reading Interview gives more perspective on the state of Stargate Worlds

MassivelyInterview gives more perspective on the state of Stargate Worlds originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-wrightcheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmedarren-sumnerfireskygateworldmmo-industrynew-titlessci-fisgwstargate-worldsMon, 06 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Stargate Worlds images show off armor and weaponry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/new-stargate-worlds-images-show-off-armor-and-weaponry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/new-stargate-worlds-images-show-off-armor-and-weaponry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/new-stargate-worlds-images-show-off-armor-and-weaponry/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We must admit, Massively isn't certain what's going on at Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment in terms of development for Stargate Worlds. The MMO builds on a popular sci-fi IP with lore fleshed out in both film and television, but we've heard the company is beset with cash flow issues.

We were concerned that the project might not be going forward given some of the news we've reported in recent months, but they've added two new screenshots to their gallery along with a brief summary: "The Stargate Worlds art team took some screenshots in the top secret Omega Site Ruins, but we were able to sneak a couple out to show off to the fans. These two shots show a soldier wearing Tier 4 Ablative Armor armed with the never before seen in public Tier 5 PVK Advanced Sub-Machine Gun."

Continue reading New Stargate Worlds images show off armor and weaponry

MassivelyNew Stargate Worlds images show off armor and weaponry originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmefireskyfiresky-llcsci-fiscreenshotssgwstargate-worldsThu, 19 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment sued over unpaid bills]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-sued-over-unpaid-bills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-sued-over-unpaid-bills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-sued-over-unpaid-bills/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The developers of Stargate Worlds, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, has already admitted to cash flow problems. They also have had problems with not paying their employees for at least 25 days of service. Now, problems are looking even worse for the Stargate Worlds developer as they find themselves the target of a lawsuit over unpaid bills.

Capital Princess LLC has sued Cheyenne Mountain over an unpaid open account, according to the Arizona Business Gazette on azcentral.com as of March 5th. This just adds to the problems of the unreleased game, which makes us all nervous and wishful that Stargate Worlds will reach completion.

We'll keep you informed on this situation as we get more information.

MassivelyCheyenne Mountain Entertainment sued over unpaid bills originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcapital-princesscashflowcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcivilcivil-lawsuitlawsuitlegalstargatestargate-worldsunpaid-billsTue, 17 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Jumpgate Evolution's new(ish) community manager]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/meet-jumpgate-evolutions-new-ish-community-manager/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/meet-jumpgate-evolutions-new-ish-community-manager/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/meet-jumpgate-evolutions-new-ish-community-manager/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This one managed to pass under our radar last month, but Katie "Khatie" Postma -- previously the community manager for Stargate Worlds -- is the newest community manager for NetDevil's upcoming Jumpgate Evolution. If the name seems familiar to any Massively readers, that's probably because Katie was one of the many community managers who spoke at the ION 2008 event. And for everyone else who's unfamiliar with her, we highly recommend reading through her viewpoints on taking an MMO community from pre-launch to live.

We're happy for Katie and even happier for the Jumpgate Evolution community that should get her expertise as the game's launch creeps nearer and nearer.

MassivelyMeet Jumpgate Evolution's new(ish) community manager originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cmecodemastersfireskyion08jgejumpgate-evolutionkatie-postmakhatienetdevilstargate-worldsFri, 09 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A big list of MMOs to watch in 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/a-big-list-of-mmos-to-watch-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/a-big-list-of-mmos-to-watch-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/a-big-list-of-mmos-to-watch-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Over at The Vault, they've put up an exhaustive list of all the MMO titles you should have your eye on throughout the new year. While they sort of term it as thought it's a big list of games coming out this year, we think they know it's unlikely all of those games are going to be released in the next twelve months. With that in mind, if you aren't sure what games you should have on your radar (and you haven't clicked our handy "upcoming MMOs" widget above), this massive list will bring you up to date.

Here at Massively, of course, we've been doing our own level best to keep you updated on a lot of these titles, be they AAA superhero games like Champions Online or DC Universe Online. We've talked fervently about Star Wars: The Old Republic, and given you the skinny on under-the-radar titles like Aion, FreeRealms, and Jumpgate Evolution. We've even walked away from our precious fantasy to talk about games like APB or The Agency. The Vault's list is a great one to run down - check it out to see what game you should be obsessing over today!

MassivelyA big list of MMOs to watch in 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbig-listchampionsdarkfalldcuofreerealmsfusionfallhuxleyjumpgate-evolutionmmosnew-titlesstargate-worldsthe-agencyupcoming-gamesThu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are sci-fi MMOs cursed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/the-daily-grind-are-sci-fi-mmos-cursed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/the-daily-grind-are-sci-fi-mmos-cursed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/the-daily-grind-are-sci-fi-mmos-cursed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Or are they just waiting for a savior, a la World of Warcraft? Yesterday we covered a recent interview done by Ten Ton Hammer with representatives of Trion World Group, the developers behind the upcoming SCI-FI channel MMORPG, that covered the viability of science fiction MMOs. While they are quite for the idea and are enthusiastic about a science fiction genre MMO, we here at Massively wanted to solicit your opinion. What's up with science fiction?

The new year will be bringing us titles like Star Trek Online, Jumpgate Evolution, Stargate Worlds, and Star Wars: The Old Republic -- a veritable stream of life flowing into the genre that's being dominated by EVE Online. Are you looking forward to them? Will you quickly wrap your hands around them and boldly go where no man has gone before? Or will you hold on to the games you already have and sneer like Gollum? Give us the word readers, speak your mind in our galactic council comments.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are sci-fi MMOs cursed? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareccpccp-gamescrypticcryptic-studioseve-onlinejumpgate-evolutionmmorpgmmossci-fisci-fi-wowscience-fictionsgwstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstargate-worldsstoswtorten-ton-hammerthe-daily-grindtriontrion-world-networkFri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Can the sci-fi genre succeed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Earth and Beyond. Star Wars Galaxies. Auto Assault. Tabula Rasa. For a genre that dominates television and written media, science fiction can't seem to find a good foothold in the MMO industry past EVE Online. Even the upcoming Stargate Worlds is on shaky ground, and it hasn't even stepped over the threshold into the market. With a genre so plagued by failure, what can a company do to succeed like CCP? Can Star Trek Online, Jumpgate Evolution, and Star Wars: The Old Republic shake the curse?

These were the topics of a recent interview between Cody Bye of Ten Ton Hammer and Rob Hill and Kevin Beardslee of Trion World Network, the developers behind the Sci-Fi channel's MMORPG/television tie-in game. The interview covers all manner of things, like how Trion seeks to differentiate themselves from the current MMO market, how they want to interact with their community, how they are handling the creation of the game next to the television series, and how Blizzard's polish mantra can really support a well made game. You can check out the full interview over at Ten Ton Hammer.

MassivelyCan the sci-fi genre succeed? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultblizzardccpearth-and-beyondeve-onlinejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionsci-fisci-fi-channelstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstargatestargate-worldsswgswtortabula-rasatrionThu, 01 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheyenne Mountain opens merchandise shop for Stargate Worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/cheyenne-mountain-opens-merchandise-shop-for-stargate-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/cheyenne-mountain-opens-merchandise-shop-for-stargate-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/cheyenne-mountain-opens-merchandise-shop-for-stargate-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ordinarily, the opening of an online merchandise shop for an MMO wouldn't exactly be news, but there are two reasons why the new Stargate Worlds store raised a few eyebrows: The game hasn't been released yet, and the recent rumor of unpaid employees has fans worried (we're at 34 days now!).

It has been speculated already that this store may be a "last ditch effort" to fund the Stargate MMO, but we'd hope that's not entirely the case. Regardless of how you would view preliminary funding through the sale of merchandise (even if it is on CafePress), this could actually be seen as a good thing. What's really wrong with helping to support a game you'd really like to see make it to launch, and getting a pretty sweet t-shirt in the process? Well, unless the game never launched...

[Via FileFront]

MassivelyCheyenne Mountain opens merchandise shop for Stargate Worlds originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountainmerchandiseonline-storestargate-worldst-shirtWed, 17 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheyenne Mountain responds to rumors of no pay for employees]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/cheyenne-mountain-responds-to-rumors-of-no-pay-for-employees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/cheyenne-mountain-responds-to-rumors-of-no-pay-for-employees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/cheyenne-mountain-responds-to-rumors-of-no-pay-for-employees/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


As the story spread across the blogosphere yesterday concerning the website http://days-since-cheyenne-mountain-employees-have-been-paid.com, we at Massively remained interested, yet apprehensive on something that was little more than an anonymous url. Yet today we're happy to report on an actual response to the rumor and speculation.

Kevin Balentine, senior Marketing Manager at Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment released an official explanation of the rumors: "At Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, we have always been upfront with the media and our fans that we are a start up. Like many start ups, we face the same cash-flow issues that all pre-revenue companies face. We have maintained a core of dedicated investors, but the new economic realities are forcing us to seek out additional sources of funding and that's what we're doing. We continue to move forward on the Stargate Worlds project. We recently completed a successful phase of closed beta testing and we will start a second phase early in 2009. We invite all of your readers to come to our site, check out our fantastic community and sign up for our beta."

Continue reading Cheyenne Mountain responds to rumors of no pay for employees

MassivelyCheyenne Mountain responds to rumors of no pay for employees originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentemployeesrumorrumourstargate-worldsten-ton-hammerFri, 05 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds newsletter reveals awesome new Jaffa armor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/stargate-worlds-newsletter-reveals-awesome-new-jaffa-armor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/stargate-worlds-newsletter-reveals-awesome-new-jaffa-armor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/stargate-worlds-newsletter-reveals-awesome-new-jaffa-armor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The second Stargate Worlds community newsletter has descended upon us, and with it comes what can only be described as a sweet crocodile Jaffa armor. We also get a peek at some Jaffa abilities such as Ground Blast and Kree!, an AoE knock-back and mez ability. Of course, a community newsletter wouldn't be complete without some sort of video to sink our teeth into and CME doesn't disappoint here with the YouTube insider page for Stargate Worlds. Since its launch, this page has become packed with all sorts of clips for fans to ravenously consume.

We're quite curious about what other sorts of Jaffa armors are in store for this game. Our vote goes towards a Beagle armor, because who'd want to mess with a face like this? Like the saying goes, "Always let a Beagle win."

MassivelyStargate Worlds newsletter reveals awesome new Jaffa armor originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beaglecheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmecrocodile-armorfireskygoa-uldjaffastargatestargate-worldstollanayoutubeThu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds interview with Cheyenne Mountain studio head]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/stargate-worlds-interview-with-cheyenne-mountain-studio-head/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/stargate-worlds-interview-with-cheyenne-mountain-studio-head/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/stargate-worlds-interview-with-cheyenne-mountain-studio-head/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


GameZone recently spoke with Dan Elggren, studio head at Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, about the upcoming title Stargate Worlds. The interview topics range from the challenges in moving the IP forward while remaining true to its origins, to the fact that sci-fi MMOs generally aren't as well-received as fantasy titles.

Elggren goes on to explain how Cheyenne Mountain has tried to merge the feature set and gameplay expected from an MMO with the more visceral feel of tactical shooter. A key aspect of their business model is that it's predicated on regular content updates. "We'll be adding new story, new levels, new archetypes and, obviously, new worlds about every three months post launch. This will be free content that we're giving away on an aggressive schedule," Elggren says. The interview also touches on Stargate Worlds having opt-in PvP at launch, which he states should later evolve into 'platoon-on-platoon large scale PvP events'. Check out the GameZone interview with Dan Elggren for more info from Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment on what we can expect from Stargate Worlds.

[Via Blue's News]

MassivelyStargate Worlds interview with Cheyenne Mountain studio head originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmedan-elggrenfireskygame-mechanicsgamezoneinterviewsippvpsci-fisgwstargate-worldstelevisiontvFri, 24 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds video shows impressive sub-orbital explosion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/stargate-worlds-video-shows-impressive-sub-orbital-explosion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/stargate-worlds-video-shows-impressive-sub-orbital-explosion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/stargate-worlds-video-shows-impressive-sub-orbital-explosion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Twiddling your thumbs in anticipation of the beginning of Stargate Worlds' closed beta test? The folks over at Ten Ton Hammer have an NDA-exempt goodie for people who are waiting -- a video of a Ha'tak class Go'auld attack ship exploding in the stratosphere of a planet.

We were actually a little surprised at how spectacular the explosion looked. TTH alleges that it's part of some pre-planned event within the game, so it's a special case, but still -- it's pretty awesome, with some interesting shaders to simulate the shockwave, and attractive fire effects as the broken pieces of the ship plummet through the air. Hey, there's not all that much Stargate Worlds video out there, y'know? We'll take what we can get.

MassivelyStargate Worlds video shows impressive sub-orbital explosion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmecruiserexplosionfireskyhataksgwstargatestargate-worldsteaservideoFri, 10 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds closed beta announced for October 15]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/stargate-worlds-closed-beta-announced-for-october-15/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/stargate-worlds-closed-beta-announced-for-october-15/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/stargate-worlds-closed-beta-announced-for-october-15/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Stargate Worlds is one of the hotter sci-fi MMOs in development based off a popular television and film IP. We've been following this title for a while now through its ups and downs, and other places on the web are taking notice of the game as well. Massively's sister site Big Download has received word that the Stargate Worlds closed beta is no longer pegged for an unconfirmed date, and is now slated to commence on October 15th.

If you haven't been selected for the closed beta from that pool of over 200,000 people who signed up, at the very least there's a gallery of new Stargate Worlds screenshots to check out over at Big Download. Open beta is still a long ways off though, so the Stargate Atlantis episodes will just have to keep you occupied until then.

MassivelyStargate Worlds closed beta announced for October 15 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabig-downloadcheyenne-mountain-entertainmentclosed-betafireskyopen-betasci-fistargatestargate-atlantisstargate-worldsSat, 04 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing the Stargate Worlds YouTube channel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/introducing-the-stargate-worlds-youtube-channel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/introducing-the-stargate-worlds-youtube-channel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/introducing-the-stargate-worlds-youtube-channel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Firesky has launched a Stargate Worlds channel on YouTube, and has promised that a new video will go live every week day from here on out. So far there are six videos, all of which are brief, punchy developer interviews related to the various weapons in the game.

A few of them are a little painful to watch due to extreme geekiness, but there is a somewhat amusing running joke about the flamethrower weapon being a terribly kept secret. Its existence is unconvincingly denied in most videos, and in one it is confirmed but the developer insists that flamethrower gameplay is not ready to be shown to the public. He says this while a monitor behind him displays all kinds of in-game flamethrower carnage.

Firesky proudly brags that the channel was the #1 most subscribed on YouTube during the week of the 21st, and that it sits comfortably in the top 25 for the whole month of September. That said, most of the videos have only had a couple thousand views, except for the very first video (the flamethrower one), which had 8,000 views. Huh; that's kind of like a microcosm of the monthly lifecycle of an MMO! Anyway, we've embedded the flamethrower footage on the other side of the jump.

Continue reading Introducing the Stargate Worlds YouTube channel

MassivelyIntroducing the Stargate Worlds YouTube channel originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>channelcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmedevelopersfireskyflamethrowerinterviewssgwstargate-worldsvideoweaponsyoutubeMon, 29 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Stargate Worlds wallpapers feature in-game imagery]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/28/new-stargate-worlds-wallpapers-feature-in-game-imagery/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/28/new-stargate-worlds-wallpapers-feature-in-game-imagery/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/28/new-stargate-worlds-wallpapers-feature-in-game-imagery/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The official Stargate Worlds website has been updated in two waves with nine new wallpapers, most of which show in-game locales and combat engagements. You can go look at them at the official site, or you can grab them right here instead! We're awesome like that.

Most of the wallpapers depict a city, but we're apparently not quite Stargate SG-1 literate enough to identify it. There are a couple images of combat (including one of someone getting torched by a flamethrower; that's kinda cool), one shot of a Jaffa in the previously mentioned city (pictured above), and one montage of weapon concept art.

Despite a few cash flow problems at the studio, Stargate Worlds' closed beta test is either already underway or imminent, depending on who you ask. So if you like these images, you might as well go sign up.

Gallery: Stargate Worlds Wallpaper Gallery

MassivelyNew Stargate Worlds wallpapers feature in-game imagery originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We have exciting news, dear readers. In just over a month, Massively will be one year old! We're very proud of how far we've come since last November, and we'd like to thank you for sticking with us through all these months. To celebrate our first birthday we're looking back at the most interesting stuff we've experienced so far!

We're starting with our ten most important interviews. We tried to find a good balance between interviews that have insights that are still relevant today, interviews that were important for the history of our site, and interviews that were just plain awesome. We saved the coolest ones for last, so be sure and stick with us to the end!

Think of it as a look back at the past year in the MMO world, if you like. Major releases, major ideas -- many of them are here. Enjoy, and be sure and tell us what you think.


Gallery: The Best of Massively: Our ten most important interviews

10 - Massively interviews: Starr Long of Tabula Rasa9 - Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview8 - The architects of EVE society talk player elections7 - Massively's exclusive interview with Turbine: Moria and more6 - Massive coverage of The Agency at E3 2008

MassivelyThe Best of Massively: Our ten most important interviews originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbest-of-massivelyccpcheyenne-mountain-entertainmenteveeve-onlinefeaturedinterviewsjoystiqfeatureslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriamythicncsoftsgwsoestargate-worldstabula-rasaten-most-important-interviewsthe-agencythe-best-of-massivelytrturbinewarwarhammer-onlineFri, 19 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds studio faces cash flow issues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/stargate-worlds-studio-faces-cash-flow-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/stargate-worlds-studio-faces-cash-flow-issues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/stargate-worlds-studio-faces-cash-flow-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Get ready for some dubious corporate drama. We were contacted by a tipster claiming to be a Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment employee. He or she alleged, among other things, that CME/Firesky is in critical financial condition -- that it has accrued a large debt, that massive layoffs are planned, and that the future of Stargate Worlds might be in jeopardy. Knowing full well that potentially-scorned anonymous employees are rarely a wholly reliable source, we contacted the company and provided them an opportunity to comment.

We were told that the tip was full of inaccuracies and overstatements. The official comment was this: "Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment is a start up, and like many start ups, we face the typical cash flow issues that all pre-revenue companies face. CME continues to fund its operations in the same way it has done for three years and the viability of the Stargate Worlds project is not in question. We fully expect to complete and ship Stargate Worlds in 2009."

Continue reading Stargate Worlds studio faces cash flow issues

MassivelyStargate Worlds studio faces cash flow issues originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbusinesscheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmedebtfinancesfireskykevin-balentinelayoffsrumorsgwstargatestargate-worldsstartupstatementtiptipsterThu, 18 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds open beta to come right before launch and not suck]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/stargate-worlds-open-beta-to-come-right-before-launch-and-not-su/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/stargate-worlds-open-beta-to-come-right-before-launch-and-not-su/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/stargate-worlds-open-beta-to-come-right-before-launch-and-not-su/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Stargate Worlds Studio Head Dan Elggren told videogamer.com in an interview that there will be an open beta test for the game immediately before the commercial launch date. That's not a shock; most MMO developers these days run a small open beta test in the one or two weeks immediately preceding launch.

Elggren promised that the beta will be "pretty solid product," and pointed to Funcom's Age of Conan open beta event as the best example of what Cheyenne Mountain/Firesky is trying not to do. Our readers who participated in that beta may remember terrible performance and stability issues.

In both videogamer.com's interview and in a chat with us earlier in the summer, the SGW team has acknowledged that open beta events are more marketing tools than technical ones. The closed beta (which will begin within the next few weeks) might be a different kind of affair though.

[Via Ten Ton Hammer]

MassivelyStargate Worlds open beta to come right before launch and not suck originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cheyenne Mountain/FireSky's Stargate Worlds beta test plans seem to be on track. At the Leipzig Games Convention, Studio Head Dan Elggren told the press that the beta would start in "early September/October." If you were worried that wouldn't happen, it might be time to stop worrying and start signing up (if you haven't already); there's an announcement at the official website saying that the closed beta test is "just weeks away."

No further information was provided. We just got the above and a reminder to sign up. Since it's just the closed beta, though, you're not very likely to get in too terribly soon what with 200,000 applicants and all. That probably shouldn't upset you too much, since early closed beta tests tend to be about as playable as Ultima IX: Ascension.

Hardcore Stargate Worlds fans will of course ignore these words of wisdom, because that's the kind of crazy gamers can proudly be.

MassivelyStargate Worlds beta "just a few weeks away" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stargate SG-1 actor Christopher Judge visited Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's game development studio to check out Stargate Worlds last week. Judge played the part of Teal'c -- the Jaffa warrior on the SG-1 team -- for the entire run of the TV series and in the movies The Ark of Truth and Continuum, and has appeared on Stargate Atlantis as well.

Members of the development teamed gushed about how awesome he was on the Stargate Worlds community site. "I wouldn't have thought I was the type to get embarrassed and feel like a blushing teenage girl (no offense to blushing teenage girls) when meeting a star like Christopher Judge but apparently I totally am," said one of the team members. The team got the impression that Judge was "SUPER excited" about the game.

CME/FireSky put up a gallery of pictures from the visit. The studio was also visited by Formula1 race car driver Jonathan Summerton, which seems kind of random. If you want pics of that event, there's a gallery for that too.

MassivelyTeal'c visits Stargate Worlds originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyennecheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentchristopher-judgecmecontinuumfireskygalleryjaffaphotossg-1stargatestargate-atlantisstargate-sg-1stargate-worldstealcthe-ark-of-truthvisitWed, 10 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds level cap to increase every three months]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/stargate-worlds-level-cap-to-increase-every-three-months/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/stargate-worlds-level-cap-to-increase-every-three-months/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/stargate-worlds-level-cap-to-increase-every-three-months/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Stargate Worlds France conducted a very substantial interview with Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment/Firesky Studio Head Dan Elggren at the Games Convention in Leipzig. We say it's substantial because it includes a few new revelations about the game.

The most notable of those revelations: CME/Firesky will be raising the game's level cap (50 at launch) by two levels every three months to coincide with new content updates and episodes. The second most interesting tidbit is about teams. Teams are a social unit smaller than commands (guilds); think of them as persistently existing and organized groups/parties. Anyway, the big news about teams is that players will be able to name their regular groups. Cool!

Other topics included various Stargate inside jokes, Elggren plugging the gas-guzzling Hummer promotion, and some stuff about the Asgard, Archaeologist, Jaffa, and Go'auld classes that has already been floating around for a while. Watch the video for all that. Note that most of the video is in French with English subtitles, while the interview itself is in English with French subtitles.

MassivelyStargate Worlds level cap to increase every three months originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaeologistasgardbetacheyenne-mountain-entertainmentdan-elggreneuropefireskyfrancefrenchgc-08gc-2008goauldhummerhummersinterviewjaffaleipziglevel-cappet-classpvpsgwstargatestargate-worldsstargate-worlds-franceSun, 31 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST