Two years ago, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment announced its plans to develop an MMO based on the Stargate television franchise. StargateWorlds.com takes this opportunity to explore how far we've come!
"MGM Interactive and Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment today formally announced their agreement to develop the Stargate Worlds MMORPG based on the popular science-fiction television series Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis," said the original press release. "Stargate Worlds is a massively multiplayer online role playing game set in the universe of the longest-running science fiction television series in U.S. history, Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. Players will step through the Stargate to explore alien worlds, encounter ancient civilizations and battle implacable enemies."

Two years later, the Stargate Worlds team is in sight of the end of its development cycle, and the community originally constructed in anticipation of the game has matured into a stable, energetic and fun place to be.

"I remember those first few amazing days like it was just last week,” said community founder Katie Postma in a recent forum post. “I remember that Thor was the first to find the forums before they opened, allowing me to seal a security hole in vBulletin. I remember Deg and I working long into the night trying to make these forums gorgeous and pleasing for everyone with such limited game assets. I remember when Jayna arrived. I remember when Bunter arrived. I remember DanCarley spamming out of sheer excitement and us hugging each other when really, there wasn't that much to discuss."

A few selected comments from the forum follow. Thanks to everyone who submitted!

I think two years has allowed everybody in this forum to not only benefit from the speculation but also I'm sure helped the development team. -Robrazor 2142.

Whilst some debates can, of course, get heated there, is rarely a need for moderators to get involved. A community like this as early in the development as we are can only be a good thing. -Jesterthegreat

I like the idea of the forum coming so early because it adds to the anticipation of the game and gives the players time to ask questions and get to know each other. -john1970

These forums -- no, this community -- is still the best place to interact with the developers, find information, try to lean on the direction of development, advocate for your play style, and most of all, find a friend or two for the game when it finally does make it to our hands. -Jayna

I have greatly enjoyed getting to know the developers and learning what the community is all about. I have loved helping the new comers find their feet. I have loved getting so see the different types of people the wonderful world of Stargate can bring together. -star_gazer

CME has been wonderful the entire time, answering questions and not just being a "ghost" on the boards. In previous games that had always turned me off of the forums: The small staff that were available were too busy dealing with people that had maturity problems than to actually be able to help the customers. Thats different here and has definatly left it's mark on more than just me. -Hobie819

I have been a part of over 10 mmo community boards. Even pre-beta, though I believe this has been the one where I truly enjoy taking part in discussion most. Here is to the community members and CME for keeping us all in the loop. -AJZ, moderator

... This is one of the best community's i have been apart of. One main reason is all of our love for Stargate. I would have to say that starting this community back when you did only helped make it what it is now and I'm proud to be part of it for such a long time. -The Sniper 9

It's been an immense pleasure to be a part of this community for the last two years and, Ra willing, be apart of it another two and beyond. -Rryst

Regardless of setting up a community, the fact that you're willing to interact with your consumers on this level is unique and welcoming. It shows that you really care about what The People think, rather than just considering them to be sources of money as most corporations do. By doing this, you can find out what we want, and then make the game according to that. Basically giving people what they want. It's something most companies just don't understand. -Inevitable

I believe that CME has raised the bar on how to make a community inclusive, not exclusive, and how they encourage and enforce positive behaviors that attract intelligent and mature gamers to the forum and hopefully to the Game. The Best Community Forum and soon to be the best game on the net. -blkjag
Cheyeene Mountain Entertainment

Posted On The : 02/25/2008
By: lotrmmo