Hello! "FreeOrion, an open-source game inspired by Master of Orion, is a turn-based game of epic space strategy that builds on the classic '4X' model by incorporating the nation-building elements of games such as Europa Universalis 2 and a versatile tactical combat engine. While its modular, open-source design allows for a significant degree of customization of the game engine and the story elements by the community, the FreeOrion team is dedicated to the construction of a living, breathing universe in a 'grand campaign' model."
Like the title already says FreeOrion is still under development. Currently we are in stage 0.4 of 1.0, which includes space combat model, ship design model and tech tree for both of the above. (Some design decisions for this stage have already been made together with some coding, but the stage is not yet complete even design wise. For more info about the 0.4 design see this document:
0.4 Design Pad - FreeOrionWiki.) Future stages include things like: diplomacy, AI, ground combat, espionage, governments (SMAC-style) etc.
The active FreeOrion team, which has the necessary skills to keep this project moving, isn`t very big and so programmers (languages used: C++, Python, OpenGL and GiGi. For available programming tasks see this page:
Programming Work - FreeOrionWiki), artists (graphics and music/sounds) and people who wish to influence the game design decisions on the forum (like me) are welcomed.
You can find more info about the project from here:
Main Page - FreeOrionWiki
This site has information about the programming work, graphics and art, music and sounds, licenses, past and still being developed design documents, screen shots, link to a site where you can download the game etc.
Here is also a link straight to the screen shots if you want to look at them first:
Screenshots - FreeOrionWiki
Also if you have any specific questions about some area of the game or want to contribute to the project, I recommend that you register to our forum:
FreeOrion • Index page
Personally, ever since Master Of Orion 3 turned out to be a disappointment for me, I have hoped for a project like this. And even though progress in this project is sometimes quite slow, the core team behind the project has my utmost confidence. In my opinion this is a once in a life time opportunity to create something that will hopefully be worthy of the Orion name. Even though we eventually might be forced to remove the Orion part from the name.
Also if you are interested in contributing, but are worried that you might have to read everything about the project written in not so perfect English as this message. I can tell you that there are native English speakers also involved in this project, so the project pages aren`t as horrible as this message.
This thread has been approved by Jordan