How Rive is powering a life-size Stargate replica

Les Enfants de MacGyver, a Swiss collective of engineers, artists, and die-hard sci-fi fans, is attempting a massive technical feat: a full-scale, functioning replica of the iconic Stargate from TV. Twelve years into the project, they’ve created a six-meter, one-ton marvel with a spinning ring, glowing chevrons, and an interactive “dialing computer," all crafted to replicate every detail from the show. 

At the heart of the Stargate’s realism is their integration with Rive, which animates the intricate interface and dialing sequences, turning this sci-fi fantasy into a physical, interactive experience.

Bringing the Stargate to life with Rive

The Stargate replica will let you step up to it, hit a button, and watch it come to life as the ring spins, sound blasts, and chevrons light up. 

“The goal is to see stars and sparkles in people’s eyes,” says Ian Bernardo, one of the engineers. 

To make it happen, the team had to recreate the Stargate’s unique dialing computer — a complex system fans remember from the underground base at Stargate Command. They watched 160 hours of footage to catalog every screen and animation style from the show. Rive’s State Machine allowed them to animate transitions and interactions that are just like the originals.

In addition to creating animations, Rive offered real-time control through its JavaScript runtime and let them integrate with other key technologies, like Node-RED and Chataigne. 

Node-RED, Rive, and a central nervous system

The Stargate replica needs an intelligent “central nervous system” to coordinate and synchronize its lights, sounds, and movements. The team chose Node-RED, a visual programming tool, to manage all communication between the Stargate’s components, acting as the bridge between inputs and Rive’s animations. 

When a visitor presses a button to engage a chevron, Node-RED triggers an event and activates commands that cue animations, sounds, and lighting. This brings the gate to life, just as fans remember from the show, but with an added layer of tangible interactivity. 

High-tech dialing with Rive’s State Machine

Per usual, Rive’s State Machine is where the magic happens. The team used Rive’s triggers, inputs, and events to recreate the familiar steps of “dialing” constellations and engaging each chevron. “With just ten lines of code, we can forward messages to Rive and switch between complex states,” Ian explains. Each state corresponds to a unique Stargate action, bringing the gate’s interface to life in ways fans will recognize instantly.

A vision for Stargate fans everywhere

For Les Enfants de MacGyver, the Stargate replica is an homage to the craftsmanship of the original series and an experience for the next generation. Ian reflects, “If a father brings his daughter to see the Stargate replica and tells her about the show, then maybe she’s inspired to watch. Maybe she discovers Samantha Carter and goes on to become a doctor or study deep space telemetry — then it would be worth it.”  

He adds, “We want to inspire passion for science, engineering, and all those great themes that make civilization tick.”

Join the journey

Want to join the crew and help finish the Stargate? Whether you’re experienced in 3D effects, sound mixing, or just passionate about sci-fi, Les Enfants de MacGyver welcomes extra hands across time zones and galaxies. 

Look out for the Stargate in Europe soon!

The Enfants de MacGyver and their projects are fan-created initiatives not approved by or affiliated with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. or Amazon Studios. All product names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification purposes. Their use does not imply endorsement. All activities are strictly non-commercial and created solely for fan enjoyment. No profit is derived from their development or operation.