Behind the Archaeologist Archetype of "Stargate Worlds"

Dr. Daniel Jackson uses his weapon’s flashlight to explore, but he’ll fire the weapon if he has to.

Stargate Worlds has become a highly-anticipated MMORPG in the gaming world, and its unique feature for non-combatant character types might be the reason.

The Archeaologist—the “peaceful explorer”—in the game relies on intelligence, cunning, and the ability to infiltrate the enemies’ ranks in clever disguises. In game-talk, the Archaeologist is good at mini-games that lead to new Stargates or other important treasures, negotiation (“conversation”), and disguise.

Back in September 2008, “Inside Stargate Worlds” was launched on YouTube. According to Jim, the director of the channel, “This is your official channel for Stargate Worlds videos straight from the source.” The channel features game play and interviews with the developers. Of course, there are explosions and firefights, but there is also background information on the creation of the Archaeologist character type. This archetype was fashioned after SG-1’s own Dr. Daniel Jackson. Even though Dr. Jackson is able to engage in combat—he carries weapons—his primary purpose on the SG-1 team is to peacefully explore and use his knowledge and skills in making contact with alien worlds.

Although the YouTube channel hasn’t been updated in a while, these videos might be of interest to those of us who are new to the gaming world and might actually give this game a try because of this non-combatant character type who, in systems designer Steve Williams’ words, was fashioned after “the soul of the show”:

• Creation -Systems designer Steve Williams talks about how his team translated aspects of the Stargate SG-1 series character Daniel Jackson into the Archeologist archetype in Stargate Worlds.
• Inspiration – Creative Director Chris Klug discusses how the Stargate television series influenced the creation of the Archeologist archetype in Stargate Worlds.
• Disguise – Systems designer Steve Williams talks about the archeologist archetype’s disguises and how they are implemented in Stargate Worlds.
• Archaeologist in Disguise during Combat – Originally posted at mmorpg.com, this video shows combat using a high power rifle as well as a sneak peek of an archeologist getting into disguise as a Jaffa.
• Mini-Games – Systems designer Steve Williams talks about the archeologist archetype’s strength in mini-games and how they are implemented in Stargate Worlds.

Stargate Worlds, which is set before the discovery of Atlantis, is due to be released this year. Visit their homepage for the latest news and developments.