Hello! FreeOrion is a non commercial community game project that aims to create a new high quality 4X space strategy game. The project is already well under way, and at the moment version 0.4, which deals primarily with space combat, ship design and tech tree additions for both of the above, is being developed. Future stages include things like diplomacy, AI, ground combat, espionage, governments (SMAC-style) etc.
FreeOrion is being coded primarily with C++. Python is also used for AI scripting. The project uses modern C++ features, makes extensive use of the Boost C++ libraries, and uses the Ogre 3D library to handle rendering in the client. FreeOrion can be built on Windows, Linux or MacOSX. The project tries to keep the quality of the code to a very high level. This is necessary for an enterprise as big, complex and ambitious as FreeOrion.
The development speed of the project is mainly slowed down by the lack of dedicated and skillful programmers; if you are interested in working with talented individuals on an open source game project such as this and don`t mind learning new things, FreeOrion is a project for you.
You can find more info about the project from here:
Main Page - FreeOrionWiki
… and more info on how to contribute to the project can be found here:
How to Help - FreeOrionWiki
If you have any specific questions about some areas of the game or want to contribute to the project, please register to our forum:
FreeOrion • Index page
FreeOrion also has an IRC channel: #freeorion at irc.freenode.net.
This channel isn't always monitored however, so if you don't receive a reply to your post within a few minutes, please redirect your post/posts to the forums of the project.
A good summary of the game’s current situation (note the date of this post) can be found here:
Interview with FreeOrion's Programming Lead: Zach Laine | Space Strategy Games Sector
And finally, here are some screenshots from the game (including a composite picture of preliminary space combat material):
Personally, ever since Master Of Orion 3 turned out to be a disappointment for me, I have hoped for a project like this. The core team behind the FreeOrion project isn`t very big, but consists of highly talented and motivated individuals that all share a common goal.
