FreeSpace 3
The general consensus among the HLP community is that there will never be a FreeSpace3. Many reasons for this are presented. A select few are:
- Volition, inc. is the developer of the previous FreeSpace games in the series.
- Interplay owns the rights to the FreeSpace universe (as of 11-15-2006).
- the ownership of Volition has been transferred from Interplay to THQ.
- the emotive consensus "if it ain't by V, it ain't Freespace 3".
A nameless Interplay contact has stated numerous times that Interplay doesn't own the IP rights to FreeSpace. While it can be argued that the contact may not be in possession of the complete facts -- due to his position as helpdesk -- the above is the only known semi-official statement regarding the current status of the license.
Interplay recently introduced their 20th anniversary edition of FreeSpace 2, which can be ordered via their homepage. Moreover, recently Home of the Underdogs (warning: page links to ErrorSafe downloader) removed the game from their download list, only to re-insert it (warning: page links to ErrorSafe downloader) later. No explanation for this has been given.
In July, 2004, news started appearing that controversial game developer Derek Smart was considering bidding for the licence for Freespace 3. Contrary to the general gaming populace, the majority of the HLP community was against it. For further information, visit the HLP forums.
In late July further news arrived that Derek Smart had decided not to develop FreeSpace 3. According to a post by Volition developer Dave Baranec on the HLP forum, it would seem that Volition are furthering their talks with THQ about the current situation of the FreeSpace scene and the future of the FreeSpace series.
