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[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 Mountain Entertainment: What happened to SGW?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-what-happened-to-sgw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-what-happened-to-sgw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment-what-happened-to-sgw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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[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 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[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[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[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[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[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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentclosed-betacmefireskyflamethrowergalleriesgalleryimagesjaffascreenshotssgwstargatestargate-sg-1stargate-worldswallpapersSun, 28 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Best of Massively: Our ten most important interviews]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/the-best-of-massively-our-ten-most-important-interviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/the-best-of-massively-our-ten-most-important-interviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/the-best-of-massively-our-ten-most-important-interviews/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacheyennecheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmedan-elggrendemofireskylaunchmarketingopen-betapromotionalsgwstargatestargate-worldsWed, 17 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds beta "just a few weeks away"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/stargate-worlds-beta-just-a-few-weeks-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/stargate-worlds-beta-just-a-few-weeks-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/stargate-worlds-beta-just-a-few-weeks-away/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentclosed-betacmefireskysgwstargatestargate-worldstesttestingFri, 12 Sep 2008 12:00:00 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<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds beta invites coming in "early September/October"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/stargate-worlds-beta-invites-coming-in-early-september-october/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/stargate-worlds-beta-invites-coming-in-early-september-october/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/stargate-worlds-beta-invites-coming-in-early-september-october/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In addition to a previously reported train station appearance, and in defiance of all common sense in the midst of a global gas crisis and panic about carbon emissions, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment/FireSky promoted Stargate Worlds at the Games Convention in Leipzig by meeting the press in a constantly-moving caravan of pimped-out, gas-guzzling Hummers.

In one of those Hummers, Ten Ton Hammer's John Hoskin recorded a video interview with Stargate Worlds studio head Dan Elggren. Hoskin asked Elggren about CME/FireSky's beta plans. Elggren said that the friends and family beta test has been going on for a while (it was when we visited the studio back in July, even) but that invites for "gameplay testing" will be going out to the public in "early September/October." Not quite the summer date we were promised, but we're still impressed at how quickly it's coming up.

Hopefully that will cheer up Stargate fans who are depressed over the recent news of Stargate Atlantis' imminent cancellation. Yet another spin-off -- called Stargate Universe -- will premiere in 2009, though.

MassivelyStargate Worlds beta invites coming in "early September/October" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadan-elggrengameplay-testinggc-2008interviewinvitesleipzigoctoberseptembersgwstargatestargate-atlantisstargate-universestargate-worldsvideoThu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds reaches 200k beta signups, dev chat on Friday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/stargate-worlds-reaches-200k-beta-signups-dev-chat-on-friday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/stargate-worlds-reaches-200k-beta-signups-dev-chat-on-friday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/stargate-worlds-reaches-200k-beta-signups-dev-chat-on-friday/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Stargate Worlds team announced yesterday that 200,000 people have signed up for the game's beta test. That's not an unimpressive number, although both Age of Conan and Warhammer Online reported a lot more (but at later stages in development). Of course, history has shown that the number of beta applicants doesn't necessarily reflect on a game's post-launch popularity.

In other Stargate Worlds-related news, the game's sound designer (Nick LaMartina) will be participating in a live dev chat that will be open to all on Friday the 22nd at 11:00 AM Pacific time. Head over to the Stargate Worlds website for details and links on reaching the IRC chat room where it will take place.

When we visited Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment just over a month ago, a representative told us that the company was hoping to start the closed beta phase before the end of the summer. We've been a bit skeptical. Time's a-tickin'!

MassivelyStargate Worlds reaches 200k beta signups, dev chat on Friday originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanapplicationsaudiobetachatcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmedeveloperfireskynick-lamartinasgwsign-upssignupssoundsound-designerstargatestargate-worldswarhammer-onlineWed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Stargate Worlds aims high with artificial intelligence]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/interview-stargate-worlds-aims-high-with-artificial-intelligenc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/interview-stargate-worlds-aims-high-with-artificial-intelligenc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/interview-stargate-worlds-aims-high-with-artificial-intelligenc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMORPG has posted its second video interview with the folks working on Stargate Worlds. Last time, it connected with Howard Lyon to talk about customization the game's user interface. This time, studio head Dan Elggren tells the site a little bit about the artificial intelligence that guides the actions of Stargate Worlds' hostile entities.

Elggren explains that there are different types of AI behaviors -- personalities, if you will. An aggressive enemy might throw caution to the wind and charge the player with a knife, while a defensive one will play it safe behind cover. Elggren hopes this will make combat more dynamic in Stargate Worlds than it is in other MMOs. He also said that enemies might run away or retreat for the sake of self-preservation. Of course, enemies do that in plenty of MMOs already, but hopefully it's a bit more complicated than the "run at 15% health" trigger that we're used to seeing.

MassivelyInterview: Stargate Worlds aims high with artificial intelligence originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiartificial-intelligencecheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcombatdan-elggrenfireskyinterviewjon-woodmmorpgsgwstargatestargate-worldsvideoThu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds video interview shows off interface customizations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/stargate-worlds-video-interview-shows-off-interface-customizatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/stargate-worlds-video-interview-shows-off-interface-customizatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/stargate-worlds-video-interview-shows-off-interface-customizatio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MMORPG.com's Managing Editor Jon Wood is definitely on a roll with providing Stargate Worlds fans with new video content. We already mentioned that he put together a hands-on Stargate Worlds combat video, but he's also done a video interview with Stargate Worlds Art Director Howard Lyons about the game's user interface.

The UI is built to be completely customizable, both in terms of graphics and the layout, Lyons says. Players will be able to swap out button types and adjust the visual priorities of the various interface elements. Multiple UI profiles can be saved and then exported and shared with other players. Have a look at the video for a closer look at the Stargate Worlds user interface, but MMORPG.com does has one caveat -- what you see is pre-alpha footage.

MassivelyStargate Worlds video interview shows off interface customizations originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincustomizationcustomizefireskyfiresky-llcinterfacejon-woodmmorpgpreviewssci-fisgwstargate-worldsuiuser-interfacevideoTue, 05 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Early Stargate Worlds combat video shows off enemy AI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/early-stargate-worlds-combat-video-shows-off-enemy-ai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/early-stargate-worlds-combat-video-shows-off-enemy-ai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/early-stargate-worlds-combat-video-shows-off-enemy-ai/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Jon Wood at MMORPG recently put up a hands-on video of gameplay in Stargate Worlds. This latest footage gives us an early look at combat in Stargate Worlds. Primarily, it shows the importance of using cover to survive.

Wood seems to like what he's experienced of the game so far, particularly in terms of the AI in Stargate Worlds."Getting taken off-guard by AI opponents does not happen very often. But when it does, it's just fantastic. It gets your heart going, causes you to panic," he says. The comments related to the video are drawing comparisons with Tabula Rasa but keep in mind this footage is from an alpha stage of testing. That being said, what do you think about how Stargate Worlds is shaping up?

MassivelyEarly Stargate Worlds combat video shows off enemy AI originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aialphacheyenne-mountaincmecombatfireskyjon-woodmmorpgpreviewpvergtrsgwstargate-worldstabula-rasavideoMon, 04 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Comic-Con 08 in pictures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/comic-con-08-in-pictures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/comic-con-08-in-pictures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/comic-con-08-in-pictures/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We braved the jam-packed San Diego Convention Center show floor to bring you some eye candy from this year's Crowded-Con. Included in the gallery are MMO publisher booth tours, the palatial Upper Deck booth, and some general Con pics as well as highlights from a few of the panels and from the SOE block party Saturday evening. Sister site Joystiq has a gallery of some of the great costumes and gratuitous cosplay seen at Comic-Con, so be sure to check those out as well via the preview embedded below.


Gallery: Comic-Con 08: Event gallery


Gallery: Costumes of Comic-Con 2008

MassivelyComic-Con 08 in pictures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-concomic-con-2008costumesfeaturedFuncomjoystiqfeaturesNCsoftSGWSOETue, 29 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Go behind the scenes with Stargate Worlds at Comic-Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/go-behind-the-scenes-with-stargate-worlds-at-comic-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/go-behind-the-scenes-with-stargate-worlds-at-comic-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/go-behind-the-scenes-with-stargate-worlds-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For all of you who have been patiently waiting to see some gameplay from Stargate Worlds, the folks from Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment have set up a series of torrents, chock-full of love for you. With the help of the folks from SGWIrc, the Stargate Worlds crew's downloadable coverage boasts not just candid gameplay video like the one above (we love the "run away!" comment) but also pictures of other shenanigans going on at the event. Also, don't forget to head over to the Stargate Worlds blog to check out the convention from their perspective.

We also have our people on the ground at Comic-Con, so be on the lookout for some more upcoming footage of Stargate Worlds, as well as all the other news coming out of San Diego!

[Via GamingToday]

MassivelyGo behind the scenes with Stargate Worlds at Comic-Con originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenescandidcheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcomic-consan-diego-comic-consdcc-2008sgwstargate-worldstorrentvideoSat, 26 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds Comic-Con event plans unveiled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/stargate-worlds-comic-con-event-plans-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/stargate-worlds-comic-con-event-plans-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/stargate-worlds-comic-con-event-plans-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We learned a while back that developer Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment and publisher FireSky are teaming up with the United States Armed Forces and the creators of the Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis TV series to present Stargate Worlds at this year's Comic-Con. Fans will get to ask questions about the game and the series, as well as see gameplay footage. A life-sized stargate wll be deployed for photo ops, too.

Now the schedule has finally been announced. It'll all go down in Ballroom 20 on Friday the 25th. From 10:45 to 11:45, the showrunners and stars of Stargate SG-1 will sit in a panel discussing Stargate Continuum, the new movie based on the series. After that, the Stargate Worlds presentation will run from 11:45 to 12:15. Finally, the cast and crew of Stargate Atlantis will talk about season 5 from 12:15 to 1:15. All Pacific time, of course, since the convention's in San Diego.

So if you're just interested in the game, show up at 11:45 and leave at 12:15. We figure you'll go for the whole thing if you'll go at all though; most folks interested in this game are probably fans of the series too, right?

MassivelyStargate Worlds Comic-Con event plans unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcomic-concomic-con-2008fireskyfiresky-llcsan-diegoschedulesg-1sgwstargatestargate-atlantisstargate-continuumstargate-sg-1stargate-worldsSat, 19 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chat with Stargate Worlds artists on your lunch break]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/chat-with-stargate-worlds-artists-on-your-lunch-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/chat-with-stargate-worlds-artists-on-your-lunch-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/chat-with-stargate-worlds-artists-on-your-lunch-break/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment is hosting another developer chat for fans who want to know more about Stargate Worlds. This time, the participating developers are Lead Artist Austin Germer and Lead Animator Carl Cross. The chat will take place at 11:00 AM Pacific and 2:00 PM Eastern, and will last for one hour. So that falls right on top of lunch for most folks -- or at least it can, if they schedule it right. So sneak in while eating a sandwich at your desk.

The place to which you may sneak: IRC chat room #Stargate-Worlds at irc.sgwirc.com. Once you're in, ask up to three questions using the /q command. More info can be found at the Stargate Worlds community website. If you're new to the game and want an introduction before the chat, (shameless plug alert) check out the coverage of our exclusive visit to the game's development studio and our interview with the directors.

Hey -- you knew we couldn't help ourselves.

[Via Ten Ton Hammer]

MassivelyChat with Stargate Worlds artists on your lunch break originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artistsaustin-gemercarl-crosschatcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmedev-chatfireskyircsgwstargatestargate-worldsFri, 18 Jul 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The week in Massively features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/the-week-in-massively-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/the-week-in-massively-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/the-week-in-massively-features/#commentsFiled under: ,

Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview
During our visit to Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's Arizona studio, we got to sit down with five of the top minds on the Stargate Worlds team -- studio head Dan Elggren, creative director Chris Klug, art director Howard Lyon, VP of technology Demetrius Comes, and senior marketing manager Kevin Balentine. This exclusive, in-depth, and conversational interview is overflowing with information about everything in the game, including TV series tie-ins and cameos, episodic content, combat, graphics, mini-games, and much, much more.
Massively's E3 Week Prediction Bingo
Every year it's customary to roll out predictions on what will and won't show up at the current year's E3 event. With Massively heading in the direction of the LA Convention Center already, we thought it might be fun to offer up some likely (and highly unlikely) predictions of what might get talked about next week.
Jack Emmert discusses the Champions IP in fresh new video
During a recent media event at Cryptic Studios, Jack Emmert gave a presentation on what the Champions IP was all about, including the history of the Champions universe and its super-powered beings. He also took some time to answer a few questions, and delineated how the Champions Online MMO will distinguish itself from City of Heroes.
Massively's exclusive interview with Turbine: Moria and more
Recently, we were fortunate enough to sit down with some of the fine folks at Turbine to discuss a few more details on their newest content patch and the future of Lord of the Rings Online. During this play session, we got a load of screenshots and an in-game video to document the amazing content that will launch with Book 14: The Ring-forges of Eregion.
The Digital Continuum: Diet WAR
Diet Warhammer Online: same great taste, less content. Is it bad that the recently re-branded Mythic Entertainment just cut out a large portion of our Warhammer Online pie and put it in the deep freeze? Well it's certainly not good when a developer cuts content they've been talking about publicly for so long, especially when launch is only three or four months away.

Continue reading The week in Massively features

MassivelyThe week in Massively features originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinee3-bingofeaturedjack-emmertlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriasgwstargate-worldsturbinewarwarhammer-onlineweek-in-mv-featuresSun, 13 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 4]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In part four of our interview with Cheyenne Mountain's studio head Dan Elggren, creative director Chris Klug, art director Howard Lyon, VP of technology Demetrius Comes, and senior marketing manager Kevin Balentine, Lyon describes the philosophy behind the game's artistic style, and we learn more about the company's plan for launch and post-live content.

Continue reading Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 4

MassivelyMassively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 4 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-directioncheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentchris-klugcmedan-elggrendemetrius-comesfireskyhoward-lyoninterviewkevin-balentinerelease-datesgwstargatestargate-worldsThu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In part three of our interview with Cheyenne Mountain's studio head Dan Elggren, creative director Chris Klug, art director Howard Lyon, VP of technology Demetrius Comes, and senior marketing manager Kevin Balentine, we discuss endgame content and go into great detail about the graphics and combat.

Continue reading Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 3

MassivelyMassively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 3 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentchris-klugcmecombatdan-elggrendemetrius-comesendgamefireskygraphicshoward-lyoninterviewkevin-balentineraidsgwstargatestargate-worldsunreal-engine-3Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Our part two of our interview with Cheyenne Mountain's studio head Dan Elggren, creative director Chris Klug, art director Howard Lyon, VP of technology Demetrius Comes, and senior marketing manager Kevin Balentine, we talk about the team's plans to reach out to Stargate fans with little gaming experience and we learn about the classic Stargate characters and lore we'll see in the game.

Continue reading Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 2

MassivelyMassively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancientsbaalcasualcasual-gamercheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentchris-klugcmedan-elggrendemetrius-comesepisodic-contentfurlingsgoauldhoward-lyoninterviewkevin-balentinesgwstargatestargate-worldsstorytvThu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-the-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


During our visit to Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's Arizona studio, we got to sit down with five of the top minds on the Stargate Worlds team -- studio head Dan Elggren, creative director Chris Klug, art director Howard Lyon, VP of technology Demetrius Comes, and senior marketing manager Kevin Balentine. This exclusive, in-depth, and conversational interview is overflowing with information about everything in the game, including TV series tie-ins and cameos, episodic content, combat, graphics, mini-games, and much, much more. This meaty interview is an essential read for any Stargate or MMO fan. We've split it up into four parts for easy reading. Enjoy!

Gallery: Massively visits Stargate Worlds

Continue reading Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview

MassivelyMassively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeologistcasualcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentchris-klugcmedan-elggrendemetrius-comesdiplomacyfeaturedfireskyhoward-lyoninterviewjoystiqfeatureskevin-balentinemini-gamesminigamesscientistsgwstargatestargate-worldsThu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively visits Stargate Worlds, part 3: Impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-part-3-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-part-3-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/massively-visits-stargate-worlds-part-3-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We found a lot to like in Stargate Worlds. Its cover-based, ranged combat should prove tactically interesting for groups of friends playing together. We were impressed by the attention to detail in the recreation of Stargate lore and places. We were especially excited by the mini-game concept and its integration with more traditional hardcore-friendly modes of play. CME is trying to reach and please a very broad audience, and we believe this product could potentially accomplish that goal. CME's promise to support the game with regular episodic content updates makes the package that much more attractive.

Continue reading Massively visits Stargate Worlds, part 3: Impressions

MassivelyMassively visits Stargate Worlds, part 3: Impressions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmecomic-coneverquestimpressionsinterviewkevin-balentinemassively-visits-stargate-worldspreviewsgwstargatestargate-worldsThu, 10 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST