Update: 7/12/2019
We're so pleased to be able to bring a game update with a few more of those details people have been asking for either on the forums or through messages. The offers of assistance have been greatly appreciated and as we see windows for people to be able to help we'll definitely be reaching out.
Game Base and System
Stargate MUSH will be using ARES as the codebase and FS3 as the root system. This was a decision made due to several important factors including ease of start up, wonderful web portal features and a streamlined system that many players are familiar with. By and large the system is not terribly customized although we are certainly working on adding a few pieces of our own flair to things. But this ties into our game philosophy which is we are wanting to make things about the story and experience
Plots
What really drew us to the concept of Stargate was the ease of incorporating storytelling into the universe. It really is a doorway that opens up into an unknown reality that for all feasibility can be immediately shut off again allowing for multiple one-off episodes as well as the underlying meta-arcs that present a driving force to the game. With this in mind, we are aiming to incorporate the mentality to what we're doing. There will be episodic plots that are one-offs, there will be plots that are longer running and there will definitely be an over-arching model taking place.
Character Roles
So what can characters do? We are approaching the game from the mindset of if you have a reason to be part of the SG then you can be. We are aiming to avoid masters of all trades however, so if that is something you are thinking about (Samantha Carters) you might want to readjust expectations just a little. Jacks of all trades are masters of none and Masters of something probably can't do it all. Stargate is about a team and in plot design and structure we're really wanting to emphasize this team design. To do this we'll be implementing a few new concepts that hopefully will help with this.
As to specifics of Character Roles, this is a military operation with civilian specialists assisting. Again, one of the appeals of this universe is how out in the galaxy everyone might be needed.
Expectations
We are firm believers in expectations for everyone being out in the forefront. This is a work of love, we are really excited about this universe but even more about the extremely wide open storytelling opportunities it will give everyone, players and staff alike. Currently we are looking at some options to help streamline PrP submissions and a design element to allow for ease of access to Plot-Starters for people who would like to run missions.
Stargate had elements of camp to it, seriousness and real ethical questions at times (I've rewatched the series in preparation for release) and we'd love to touch on a lot of these things. But the most important thing I'd like to express to people:
We are not intending to be everything to everyone.
Things may be light hearted. Things may get (ok, they will get) dark. But at our core we're really looking at story and answering this question:
How would we as a society handle some of the things that may be out there?
Development Schedule
Our development is on time with plans. In a few weeks the final testing of adjustments to the FS3 game system will be undertaken along with trial testing of a few design choices for plot structure in order to garner feedback. After that is completed and compiled we'll be eagerly opening the doors with the current plan of August 5th.