TheFreeSpace 2 Source Code Projectis the project of a group of programmers maintaining and enhancing thegame enginefor the space combat simulatorFreeSpace 2,developed byVolition.Thesource codewas released in 2002, and is used by several projects. Most prominent among these are games based on theBabylon 5and2004Battlestar Galacticauniverses.
 In-game recreation of the box cover art ofFreeSpace 2retail | |
| Original author(s) | Volition, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | FreeSpace 2 Source Code Project |
| Initial release | 2002[1] |
| Stable release | 24.2.0
/ October 27, 2024 |
| Repository | github |
| Written in | C++ |
| Engine |
|
| Operating system | Windows,Mac OS X,Linux,FreeBSD |
| Type | Space combat simulator |
| License | Freewarefor non-commercial use[2] |
| Website | scp |
History
editVolition,the company responsible for developing the gameFreeSpace 2was bought byTHQin 2000. WithInterplay Entertainmentholding the licenses for theFreeSpaceseries, Volition could not continue to develop the series. Without any viable use for the source code, Volition's Dave Baranec released the source code forFreeSpace 2'sgame engineon 25 April 2002.[1][3]This allowedmoddersthe possibility of modifying the game engine almost without limitations. However, because the source code is under a noncommercial license,[4]it does not qualify asfree and open source software.
To prevent a plethora of different versions of the game from appearing, a single "umbrella" project (with the unified goal of enhancing the game) under the nameFreeSpace 2 Source Code Projectwas formed. Initially led by Edward "Inquisitor" Gardner, the team is currently led by Tyler "DahBlount" Blount. Previous leaders also include Ian "Goober5000" Warfield, Taylor Richards, Cliff "Chief1983" Gordon and Fabian "The E" Woltermann.
In addition, content update packs have been developed which take advantage of the upgraded game engine. These packs include higher-poly models and higher resolution textures. The end result of this project is to create a graphically superior (and far more flexible) game engine, while still retaining all of the gameplay elements that madeFreeSpace 2successful.
Notable projects
editThe primary projectFS2 Opentakes advantage of the upgraded engine forFreeSpace 2.Most of the other projects are based on science-fiction television shows or movies.Diaspora: Shattered Armisticeand the presumed-defunctBeyond the Red Lineeach tell a side story based on the humans and robotic Cylons of the2004Battlestar Galacticatelevision series. Another science fiction television series based project isThe Babylon Project,based on the critically acclaimedBabylon 5.All three of these projects are implementing their ownNewtonian flight physics.The demo ofThe Babylon Projectwas downloaded 100,000 times within two weeks of its announcement, and was reported on Apple.com and in France's Joystick game magazine.[5][6]
There are several projects torecreateestablished video games using theFS2 Openengine. These includeStar Fox: Event Horizonfor theStar Foxuniverse, andWing Commander Saga[7]for theWing Commanderuniverse.
Some notable original mods and campaigns have been created, such asWings of Dawn[8]which takes place in an anime-style world, andBlue Planet[9]which offers a continuation ofFreeSpace 2,telling of a civil war between Earth and the GTVA.The FreeSpace Port,sometimes called FSPort, ports the originalDescent: FreeSpace – The Great Warto theFreeSpace 2and SCP engine with many graphical enhancements, and serves as a base for many mods set in theFreeSpace: Great Warera, such asShrouding the LightandAwakenings.Silent Threat: Rebornsimilarly ports theSilent Threatexpansion forDescent: FreeSpaceinto the FreeSpace 2 SCP engine.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abtimelineongithub.com
- ^COPYINGongithub.com
- ^Sulic, Ivan (2002-04-25)."Freespace Source Code".IGN.Archived fromthe originalon May 1, 2002.Retrieved2007-10-25.
- ^Volition Copyright
- ^Joe Blancato (2007-06-19)."Gaming's Fringe Cults".The Escapist.Archived fromthe originalon 2014-02-02.Retrieved2007-10-25.
- ^Nick Breckon (2007-07-31)."Mod is Dead: Beyond the Red Line".Shacknews.Archived fromthe originalon 2013-02-02.Retrieved2007-11-09.
- ^Back In The Cockpit: Wing Commander Sagaby Richard Cobbett onRock, Paper, Shotgun(March 22nd, 2012)
- ^"Wings of Dawn".Hard Light Productions.
- ^"Blue Planet".Hard Light Productions.