The Ur-Quan Masters: Difference between revisions

*The Ur-Quan Masters*
Original author(s)	Toys for Bob
Developer(s)	The Ur-Quan Masters Port Crew
Initial release	2002
Stable release	0.8 / 4 January 2021; 3 years ago
Repository	sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Predecessor	Star Control II
Type	Adventure, shoot 'em up
License	Code under GPL-2.0-or-later; Resources under CC BY-NC-SA 2.5; Documentation under CC BY-SA 2.0;
Website	sc2.sourceforge.net

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The Ur-Quan Masters is a 2002 open-source fangame modification, based on the action-adventure science fiction game Star Control II. The original game was released for PCs in 1992 and ported to the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer in 1994. It has been frequently mentioned among the best games of all time, with additional praise for its writing, world design, character design, and music.

After the Star Control II copyrights reverted to creators Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford, they licensed their content to their fan community under the GNU General Public License, to keep their series in the public eye. The open-source development team remade the 3DO version as a port to modern operating systems, and allowed fan-made modifications to add improvements absent in the original release. Released under the title The Ur-Quan Masters (the subtitle of the original game), the modified remake has since been downloaded nearly two million times, earning critical reception as one of the best free games available, with additional praise for a high-definition graphics fan modification.

Gameplay

The Ur-Quan Masters is a re-make of Star Control II, an action-adventure science fiction game set in an open universe.^[2] The game includes exploration, resource-gathering, combat, and diplomacy.^[3] Much of the game is played from a top-down perspective,^[4] and features real-time combat between alien ships with different abilities.^[5] The player can freely explore a galaxy with hundreds of stars, planets, and moons, which contain resources for the player to scan and retrieve in a lander vehicle.^[4] In diplomacy, the player converses with alien races in branching dialog sequences, with the goal of rallying an alliance to defeat the titular antagonists, the Ur-Quan.^[6] The combat featured in the story can also be played as a separate mode called "Super Melee".^[3]^[7]

The player plays the role of the captain of a spaceship, which returns to Earth after a lost research mission.^[4] The captain quickly discovers that Earth has been conquered by the Ur-Quan, and begins a quest to acquire knowledge, resources, and allies in order to free humanity from slavery.^[4] During the story, the Ur-Quan become entangled in a civil war,^[8] allowing the captain to contact dozens of unique alien races, and ultimately influence the outcome of the conflict.^[3] After rallying humanity's former allies, the captain is able to overcome and defeat the Ur-Quan.^[5]

Development

The Star Control series was created by Fred Ford and Paul Reiche, and published by Accolade.^[9] The first release in 1990 was a space strategy and action game, inspired by the 1961 space combat game Spacewar!.^[10] Star Control II, the 1992 sequel, abandoned the first game's strategic elements and greatly expanded the story,^[7] wrapping the combat system into an adventure-based narrative.^[10] Its port to the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer console in 1994 added fully voiced dialog and other updates to the sound and graphics.^[7] Star Control received awards upon release, and Star Control II received even more.^[10] Journalists have listed Star Control among their best games of all time,^[11] with Star Control II earning even more "best game" rankings through the 1990s,^[12] 2000s,^[13] and 2010s.^[14] Star Control II is also remembered among the best games in several creative areas, including writing,^[15] world design,^[16] character design,^[17] and music.^[18]

By the early 2000s, the Star Control II copyrights reverted to Ford and Reiche, triggered by a contractual clause where the game was no longer generating royalties.^[19]^[20] With the game no longer available in stores, Ford and Reiche wanted to keep the game in the public eye so that they could one day make another game in the series.^[19] Ford and Reiche still owned the rights to Star Control I and II, but they could not successfully purchase the Star Control trademark from publisher Accolade,^[21] so they chose the title The Ur-Quan Masters.^[22] Their independent studio Toys for Bob hired Chris Nelson as their first summer intern, who was enthusiastic for open-source software. Nelson worked with Ford to port the game to modern operating systems.^[19] Ford recalled, "we haven't made a sequel yet, so we thought the least we could do is release the source code and let the fans revive it on modern computers".^[23]

The open-source project officially launched in 2002, when Ford and Reiche licensed the source code from the 3DO version of Star Control II as open source under the GNU General Public License.^[24] Ford and Reiche own all the copyrighted content in the first two Star Control games,^[25] and granted the fan-operated project a free, perpetual license to the Star Control II content and the Ur-Quan Masters trademark.^[26] The first version of The Ur-Quan Masters suffered from performance issues, but Nelson knew skilled contacts in the open-source community who could make progress on the project.^[19] The fan community continued the project with further support, enhancements, and modifications.^[7] The credits screen names the "core team" as Serge van den Boom, Mika Kolehmainen, Michael Chapman Martin, Chris Nelson, and Alex Volkov.^[1] Ford and Reiche personally credit the open-source remake for making their creation available from 2001 to 2011, before Star Control became available for sale digitally through GOG.com.^[19] In an interview, the fans-turned-developers stated that a for-profit company would not be able to justify the port and remake, and that "without the open-source philosophy, The Ur-Quan Masters would never have existed".^[24]

Ford and Reiche launched a development studio, Pistol Shrimp, using it to take the open-source to create a new version of The Ur-Quan Masters for modern systems. This will be released for free in February 2024 for Windows computers under the name Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters as to avoid the intellectual property issue with Stardock. Pistol Shrimp have also started developing a sequel to this game, titled Ghosts of the Precursors.^[27]

Modifications

The Ur-Quan Masters has an active fanbase, maintaining both the open-source project and an extensive wiki.^[23] The most essential modifications extended the original code to operate on newer operating systems, resolving compatibility issues with the native DOS game.^[7] Fans have since modified and extended the project several times. Reiche has commented, "our policy has been to let people do whatever they want, as long as they don't turn our characters into mass murderers or make money with it. If you're making money with our stuff, we'd like a pizza".^[23]

The Ur-Quan Masters introduced features from the 3DO version that were previously unavailable on other platforms, including improved graphics and full voice acting.^[7] The extensions further added mod support and online multiplayer combat, neither of which were supported in the original games.^[5] The most notable fan modification is the high-definition version of the game, The Ur-Quan Masters HD, which was released in 2013.^[28]^[29] It was created by re-painting every frame of animation by hand.^[30]

Reception

Since its 2002 release, The Ur-Quan Masters has been downloaded nearly two million times as of 2021.^[31]^[32] Soon after its debut, the game was featured in PC PowerPlay in its compilation of free games, celebrating it as a "timeless classic" from the "golden age of gaming".^[33] Finnish magazine Pelit rated it five stars in 2004 for its timeless appeal, as well as new features and remixed music.^[34] Retro Gamer featured The Ur-Quan Masters on the cover of their June 2005 edition. They further praised Ford and Reiche for making such a high-quality game available as an open-source project, stating that "this small Californian group has seen fit to grace the gaming world with one of its finest achievements, and at no cost".^[10] In a 2011 feature about open-source games, Michael Blake of IGN lauded The Ur-Quan Masters as one of the greatest games and a "pitch-perfect port to modern operating systems", which "completely hooked me, with the genius single-player storyline and the hectic multiplayer of Super Melee mode both good enough to warrant the download on their own".^[3] Hardcore Gaming 101 also called it "a brilliant port and a fantastic initiative to keep old games relevant".^[7]

The Ur-Quan Masters has been included on several best games lists since its release. In 2008, PC Gamer named The Ur-Quan Masters as one of the best free games.^[35] Game Developer Magazine featured the game in its 2010 list of open-source space games, praising its scale and charm, as well as its new features.^[36] The game was also listed in Maximum PC's 2015 "best free games" feature.^[37] Tom's Guide included The Ur-Quan Masters in its list of top classic games re-released for free, praising its staying power: "few games today feature the same mix of narrative depth, sandbox exploration and enjoyable space combat that have won the game a cult following to this day".^[38] In 2019, PCGamesN ranked The Ur-Quan Masters as one of the top 15 space games ever made and "one of the best free PC games you'll ever find", noting its characters, dialog and sense of discovery.^[4]

The Ur-Quan Masters HD

The Ur-Quan Masters HD has received praise of its own. Rock, Paper, Shotgun celebrated it as an "ambitious and well-received fan-made (and free) remake", which "retains a certain 1990s vibe despite being made more appropriate to modern machines. It lends it a certain psychedelic silliness that today's more self-regarding space games seem to lack."^[39] Kotaku likewise praised the HD updates to the visuals and sound,^[28] and Dominic Tarason of PCGamesN described the detailed hand-painted modification as "a genuinely impressive piece of work".^[30] Since its release, The Ur-Quan Masters HD has been downloaded over 200,000 times on SourceForge.^[29]

Sequel

Free Stars: Children of Infinity

On October 24, 2023, the developers, consisting of Fred Ford, Dan Gerstein, Paul Reiche III and Ken Ford, announced the new name of the sequel, Free Stars: Children of Infinity, and launched its corresponding website.^[40] The official trailer was shown on the April 4, 2024 on GameSpot YouTube channel.^[41] A Kickstarter campaign was launched on April 16, 2024 to further the game development of the sequel. Within 3 hours, they met their initial $100 000 USD goal.^[42] The planning release date for the game is August 2025.^[43]

References

^ ^a ^b Fred Ford, Paul Reiche III, Port Crew (2002). The Ur-Quan Masters (PC) (6.2 ed.). Scene: Credits.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ Hamilton, Kirk (September 19, 2013). "The Game That 'Won' Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner)". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 23, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Blake, Michael (June 23, 2011), "PC Gaming: Doomed? or zDoomed?", IGN, retrieved October 8, 2020
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Staff (January 27, 2019). "The best space games on PC". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on January 27, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c Haas, Pete (January 1, 2013). "Star Control 2 HD Remake Now Available". Cinema Blend. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ Hope, Patrick (September 24, 2013). "Patrick Hope: Into the vault with little-known Ur-Quan Masters". The Dickinson Press. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Kalata, Kurt (September 11, 2018). "Star Control II". Hardcore Gaming 101. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
^ Corbett, Richard (February 15, 2016). "The RPG Scrollbars: Praise The Ur-Quan Masters". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on October 9, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
^ Kalata, Kurt (September 11, 2018). "Star Control". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on February 23, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Szczepaniak, John (June 2005). "Control & Conquer" (PDF). Retro Gamer Volume Two, Issue Two. pp. 85–87. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 6, 2019. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
^ Polygon Staff (November 29, 2017). "500 Best Games of All Time". Polygon. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
^
- Staff (August 1994). "PC Gamer Top 40: The Best Games of All Time". PC Gamer US, Issue 3. pp. 32–42.
- Staff (April 1994). "The PC Gamer Top 50 PC Games of All Time". PC Gamer, Issue 5. pp. 43–56.
- Staff (November 1996). "150 Best Games of All Time". Computer Gaming World. pp. 64–80. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
- Staff (February 1999). "The Fifty Best Games of All Time". Next Generation, Issue 50.
^
- Buecheler, Chris "shaithis" (September 2000). "The Gamespy Hall of Fame – Star Control 2". GameSpy. Archived from the original on April 30, 2001. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- Kasavin, Greg (June 27, 2003). "The Greatest Games of All Time – Star Control 2". Gamespot. Archived from the original on August 14, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- IGN Staff (November 23, 2005). "IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time (2003)". IGN. Archived from the original on November 23, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- IGN Staff (August 2, 2005). "IGN's Top 100 Games (2005)". IGN. Archived from the original on August 2, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^
- PC Gamer Staff (February 19, 2011). "The 100 best PC games of all time". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on February 19, 2011. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- Hardcore Gaming Staff (December 5, 2015). "HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- Hamilton, Kirk (September 19, 2013). "The Game That "Won" Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner)". Kotaku. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^
- GameSpot Staff (March 2, 2000). "GameSpot's Best 10 Endings". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 19, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- GameSpot Staff (March 1, 2000). "GameSpot's Ten Best Endings: RC". GameSpot. Archived from the original on March 1, 2000. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^
- Lindsey, Patrick (January 7, 2015). "8 Games That Capture the Infinite Potential of Space". Paste magazine.
- GameSpot Staff (October 18, 2000). "GameSpot's Top 10 Gameworlds". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 28, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- Drake, Jeff (November 10, 2019). "The 10 Biggest Open World Games". Game Rant. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^
- GameSpot Staff (October 13, 1999). "The Ten Best Computer Game Villains – The Ur Quan". GameSpot. Archived from the original on August 23, 2002. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- GameSpot Staff (October 12, 1999). "Reader's Choice: Best Villains – Villains 5–1". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 12, 1999. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^
- Brad Stabler; John Twells; Miles Bowe; Scott Wilson; Tom Lea (April 18, 2015). "The 100 best video game soundtracks of all time". FACT. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- GameSpot Staff (October 13, 1999). "The Ten Best Game Soundtracks". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 6, 2003. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- GameSpot Staff (September 1, 1999). "The Ten Best Game Soundtracks: RC". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 12, 1999. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Hutchison, Lee (July 7, 2020). Dacanay, Sean; Niehaus, Marcus (eds.). "Star Control Creators Paul Reiche & Fred Ford: Extended Interview" (Transcript). Ars Technica. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020. Fred Ford: Star Control II, well and Star Control I have always been near and dear to our hearts. It's the first things we worked on, the first things we poured our passion in together. We have some diehard fans as a result of those two games and we wanted to service them and lay the groundwork for a return and keep the games in the fronts of their minds as much as possible so that when we were finally able to return to it we would still have a living audience.
Paul Reiche: There was a confluence of events that helped this. One was Accolade stopped selling the game and we stopped earning royalties right around your 2000 and that triggered the termination of their exclusive right to sell our game. So we got our game back. What we didn't have was the name Star Control. That was a trademark that the publisher owned and we negotiated back and forth with them, but ultimately we weren't able to come to terms for the name. So we decided, well we can't use that name, let's give it a new name, so we used the Ur-Quan Masters. And we had our very first summer intern, Chris Nelson, a guy from Boston University and he was out here and he was a diehard open-source fan and he wanted to port our game to open source and then release it and sort of talked us through the ramifications and the choices we had to make. And he and largely Fred then ended up porting the game to a form that people could launch, but it was by no means beautiful, fast and elegant and then just re-released it. ...
Ford: Chris was responsible for setting up all those connections and he knew dedicated fans who were interested in working on it.
Reiche: And so from 2002 until today we have had like the "Ur-Quan Masters" site, UQM I think, and they've been maintaining it and porting it to new machines and revising the audio and really keeping it alive in the doldrums between 2001 and then 2011 when our games went back on sale at GOG. So the "Ur-Quan Masters" project, the open-source release of the game we created as "Star Control II", that really kept our game alive in the doldrums between say 2001 or 2002 and then 2011 when our games began to be sold again through Good Old Games, known as GOG, which is an electronic distributor of classic games.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^ GameSpy Staff (May 15, 2001). "Interview with Fred Ford". classicgaming.com. GameSpy. Archived from the original on May 15, 2001. Retrieved November 29, 2020. Fred Ford: [Accolade] owe us another payment for our portion of the property. They have told us they are going to default on this payment which means we are back to owning the characters and settings. They still own the trademark/name and continue to look for someone to buy it from them.
^ Nirvi, Niko (March 21, 2006). "Star Control – Kontrollin aikakirjat". Pelit. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^ Walker, Trey (June 26, 2002). "Star Control II remake in the works". GameSpot. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c Barton, Matt (April 19, 2016). Honoring the Code: Conversations with Great Game Designers. CRC Press. pp. 203–. ISBN 978-1-4665-6754-2. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Wen, Howard (August 11, 2005). "The Ur-Quan Masters". O'Reilly Media. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
^ Parrish, Peter (July 23, 2013). "Open source Star Control 2 team express doubts over Atari IP sale". PC Invasion. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
^ Ford, Fred; Reiche III, Paul (June 11, 2019). "The Only Way To Win Is". Updates from Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ McWhertor, Michael (February 13, 2024). "PC sci-fi classic Star Control returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters". Polygon. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Booker, Logan (January 12, 2013). "Relive The Glory Of Star Control II In Delicious High Definition With Ur-Quan Masters HD". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ ^a ^b "Ur-Quan Masters HD – Download Statistics". SourceForge. Ur Quan Masters HD. December 4, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Tarason, Dominic (October 22, 2017). "DOS classics Star Control 1 & 2 hit Steam, but you might want to try this HD fan-remaster". PC Games N. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ "The Ur-Quan Masters – Download Statistics". SourceForge. The Ur-Quan Masters. October 10, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
^ Sanchay, Pre (May 12, 2021). Kalata, Kurt (ed.). "Now and Forever: The Legacy of the Star Control II Universe – Hardcore Gaming 101". Hardcore Gaming 101. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
^ Noone, Paul (March 2003). Disc Master Ur-Quan Masters. PC PowerPlay Issue 084. p. 112. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
^ Berschewsky, Tapio (January 2, 2004). "Ur-Quan Masters (PC) – Vapaus tai kuolema!". Pelit. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
^ Staff (August 2008). "The Final Frontier". PC Gamer – Volume 15, Issue 8. p. 49. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ Staff (January 2010). Space is the Place. Game Developer Magazine. p. 4. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
^ Griliopoulos, Daniel (December 2015). "Best Free Games – The Ur-Quan Masters". Maximum PC. Future US. p. 54. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ Corpuz, John (April 19, 2017). "15 Classic PC Games Gone Free". Tom's Guide. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
^ Meer, Alec (January 7, 2013). "Ur-Quan Masters HD: A Star Control 2 Remake". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ Dan Gerstein (October 24, 2023). "Introducing Free Stars: Children of Infinity".
^ Makuch, Eddie (April 4, 2024). "Free Stars: Children Of Infinity Trailer Debuts, Kickstarter Coming Soon". GameSpot.
^ Dustin Bailey (April 16, 2024). "After 32 years, the 1992 open-world space game that helped inspire Mass Effect is getting a proper sequel". GamesRadar.
^ Peter, Bathge (April 18, 2024). "Entwickler eines SciFi-Spiels werden mit Geld beworfen, weil der Gratis-Vorgänger so gut war". GameStar.

External links

[credits-1] Fred Ford, Paul Reiche III, Port Crew (2002). The Ur-Quan Masters (PC) (6.2 ed.). Scene: Credits.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[bestclassic22-2] Hamilton, Kirk (September 19, 2013). "The Game That 'Won' Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner)". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 23, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.

[:02-3] Blake, Michael (June 23, 2011), "PC Gaming: Doomed? or zDoomed?", IGN, retrieved October 8, 2020

[:1-4] Staff (January 27, 2019). "The best space games on PC". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on January 27, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[:6-5] Haas, Pete (January 1, 2013). "Star Control 2 HD Remake Now Available". Cinema Blend. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[:42-6] Hope, Patrick (September 24, 2013). "Patrick Hope: Into the vault with little-known Ur-Quan Masters". The Dickinson Press. Retrieved May 28, 2020.

[HG101series2-7] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Kalata, Kurt (September 11, 2018). "Star Control II". Hardcore Gaming 101. Retrieved October 22, 2020.

[RPSretrospective2-8] Corbett, Richard (February 15, 2016). "The RPG Scrollbars: Praise The Ur-Quan Masters". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on October 9, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2020.

[9] Kalata, Kurt (September 11, 2018). "Star Control". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on February 23, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.

[retrogamer14-10] Szczepaniak, John (June 2005). "Control & Conquer" (PDF). Retro Gamer Volume Two, Issue Two. pp. 85–87. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 6, 2019. Retrieved October 22, 2020.

[11] Polygon Staff (November 29, 2017). "500 Best Games of All Time". Polygon. Retrieved December 23, 2020.

[:3-12] 

Staff (August 1994). "PC Gamer Top 40: The Best Games of All Time". PC Gamer US, Issue 3. pp. 32–42.

Staff (April 1994). "The PC Gamer Top 50 PC Games of All Time". PC Gamer, Issue 5. pp. 43–56.

Staff (November 1996). "150 Best Games of All Time". Computer Gaming World. pp. 64–80. Retrieved March 25, 2016.

Staff (February 1999). "The Fifty Best Games of All Time". Next Generation, Issue 50.

[13] Staff (August 1994). "PC Gamer Top 40: The Best Games of All Time". PC Gamer US, Issue 3. pp. 32–42.

[14] Staff (April 1994). "The PC Gamer Top 50 PC Games of All Time". PC Gamer, Issue 5. pp. 43–56.

[15] Staff (November 1996). "150 Best Games of All Time". Computer Gaming World. pp. 64–80. Retrieved March 25, 2016.

[16] Staff (February 1999). "The Fifty Best Games of All Time". Next Generation, Issue 50.

[:4-13] 

Buecheler, Chris "shaithis" (September 2000). "The Gamespy Hall of Fame – Star Control 2". GameSpy. Archived from the original on April 30, 2001. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

Kasavin, Greg (June 27, 2003). "The Greatest Games of All Time – Star Control 2". Gamespot. Archived from the original on August 14, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

IGN Staff (November 23, 2005). "IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time (2003)". IGN. Archived from the original on November 23, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

IGN Staff (August 2, 2005). "IGN's Top 100 Games (2005)". IGN. Archived from the original on August 2, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[18] Buecheler, Chris "shaithis" (September 2000). "The Gamespy Hall of Fame – Star Control 2". GameSpy. Archived from the original on April 30, 2001. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[19] Kasavin, Greg (June 27, 2003). "The Greatest Games of All Time – Star Control 2". Gamespot. Archived from the original on August 14, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[20] IGN Staff (November 23, 2005). "IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time (2003)". IGN. Archived from the original on November 23, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[21] IGN Staff (August 2, 2005). "IGN's Top 100 Games (2005)". IGN. Archived from the original on August 2, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[:5-14] 

PC Gamer Staff (February 19, 2011). "The 100 best PC games of all time". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on February 19, 2011. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

Hardcore Gaming Staff (December 5, 2015). "HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

Hamilton, Kirk (September 19, 2013). "The Game That "Won" Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner)". Kotaku. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[23] PC Gamer Staff (February 19, 2011). "The 100 best PC games of all time". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on February 19, 2011. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[24] Hardcore Gaming Staff (December 5, 2015). "HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[25] Hamilton, Kirk (September 19, 2013). "The Game That "Won" Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner)". Kotaku. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[15] 

GameSpot Staff (March 2, 2000). "GameSpot's Best 10 Endings". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 19, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

GameSpot Staff (March 1, 2000). "GameSpot's Ten Best Endings: RC". GameSpot. Archived from the original on March 1, 2000. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[27] GameSpot Staff (March 2, 2000). "GameSpot's Best 10 Endings". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 19, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[28] GameSpot Staff (March 1, 2000). "GameSpot's Ten Best Endings: RC". GameSpot. Archived from the original on March 1, 2000. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[16] 

Lindsey, Patrick (January 7, 2015). "8 Games That Capture the Infinite Potential of Space". Paste magazine.

GameSpot Staff (October 18, 2000). "GameSpot's Top 10 Gameworlds". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 28, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

Drake, Jeff (November 10, 2019). "The 10 Biggest Open World Games". Game Rant. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[30] Lindsey, Patrick (January 7, 2015). "8 Games That Capture the Infinite Potential of Space". Paste magazine.

[31] GameSpot Staff (October 18, 2000). "GameSpot's Top 10 Gameworlds". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 28, 2005. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[32] Drake, Jeff (November 10, 2019). "The 10 Biggest Open World Games". Game Rant. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[17] 

GameSpot Staff (October 13, 1999). "The Ten Best Computer Game Villains – The Ur Quan". GameSpot. Archived from the original on August 23, 2002. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

GameSpot Staff (October 12, 1999). "Reader's Choice: Best Villains – Villains 5–1". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 12, 1999. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[34] GameSpot Staff (October 13, 1999). "The Ten Best Computer Game Villains – The Ur Quan". GameSpot. Archived from the original on August 23, 2002. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[35] GameSpot Staff (October 12, 1999). "Reader's Choice: Best Villains – Villains 5–1". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 12, 1999. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[18] 

Brad Stabler; John Twells; Miles Bowe; Scott Wilson; Tom Lea (April 18, 2015). "The 100 best video game soundtracks of all time". FACT. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

GameSpot Staff (October 13, 1999). "The Ten Best Game Soundtracks". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 6, 2003. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

GameSpot Staff (September 1, 1999). "The Ten Best Game Soundtracks: RC". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 12, 1999. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[37] Brad Stabler; John Twells; Miles Bowe; Scott Wilson; Tom Lea (April 18, 2015). "The 100 best video game soundtracks of all time". FACT. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[38] GameSpot Staff (October 13, 1999). "The Ten Best Game Soundtracks". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 6, 2003. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[39] GameSpot Staff (September 1, 1999). "The Ten Best Game Soundtracks: RC". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 12, 1999. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[youtubex2-19] Hutchison, Lee (July 7, 2020). Dacanay, Sean; Niehaus, Marcus (eds.). "Star Control Creators Paul Reiche & Fred Ford: Extended Interview" (Transcript). Ars Technica. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020. Fred Ford: Star Control II, well and Star Control I have always been near and dear to our hearts. It's the first things we worked on, the first things we poured our passion in together. We have some diehard fans as a result of those two games and we wanted to service them and lay the groundwork for a return and keep the games in the fronts of their minds as much as possible so that when we were finally able to return to it we would still have a living audience.
Paul Reiche: There was a confluence of events that helped this. One was Accolade stopped selling the game and we stopped earning royalties right around your 2000 and that triggered the termination of their exclusive right to sell our game. So we got our game back. What we didn't have was the name Star Control. That was a trademark that the publisher owned and we negotiated back and forth with them, but ultimately we weren't able to come to terms for the name. So we decided, well we can't use that name, let's give it a new name, so we used the Ur-Quan Masters. And we had our very first summer intern, Chris Nelson, a guy from Boston University and he was out here and he was a diehard open-source fan and he wanted to port our game to open source and then release it and sort of talked us through the ramifications and the choices we had to make. And he and largely Fred then ended up porting the game to a form that people could launch, but it was by no means beautiful, fast and elegant and then just re-released it. ...
Ford: Chris was responsible for setting up all those connections and he knew dedicated fans who were interested in working on it.
Reiche: And so from 2002 until today we have had like the "Ur-Quan Masters" site, UQM I think, and they've been maintaining it and porting it to new machines and revising the audio and really keeping it alive in the doldrums between 2001 and then 2011 when our games went back on sale at GOG. So the "Ur-Quan Masters" project, the open-source release of the game we created as "Star Control II", that really kept our game alive in the doldrums between say 2001 or 2002 and then 2011 when our games began to be sold again through Good Old Games, known as GOG, which is an electronic distributor of classic games.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

[20] GameSpy Staff (May 15, 2001). "Interview with Fred Ford". classicgaming.com. GameSpy. Archived from the original on May 15, 2001. Retrieved November 29, 2020. Fred Ford: [Accolade] owe us another payment for our portion of the property. They have told us they are going to default on this payment which means we are back to owning the characters and settings. They still own the trademark/name and continue to look for someone to buy it from them.

[pelit2-21] Nirvi, Niko (March 21, 2006). "Star Control – Kontrollin aikakirjat". Pelit. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[:2-22] Walker, Trey (June 26, 2002). "Star Control II remake in the works". GameSpot. Retrieved December 23, 2020.

[Barton2016-23] Barton, Matt (April 19, 2016). Honoring the Code: Conversations with Great Game Designers. CRC Press. pp. 203–. ISBN 978-1-4665-6754-2. Retrieved October 22, 2020.

[oreilly2005-24] Wen, Howard (August 11, 2005). "The Ur-Quan Masters". O'Reilly Media. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2020.

[25] Parrish, Peter (July 23, 2013). "Open source Star Control 2 team express doubts over Atari IP sale". PC Invasion. Retrieved November 15, 2020.

[UQMTM-26] Ford, Fred; Reiche III, Paul (June 11, 2019). "The Only Way To Win Is". Updates from Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[27] McWhertor, Michael (February 13, 2024). "PC sci-fi classic Star Control returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters". Polygon. Retrieved February 13, 2024.

[kotakuuqm-28] Booker, Logan (January 12, 2013). "Relive The Glory Of Star Control II In Delicious High Definition With Ur-Quan Masters HD". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[:0-29] "Ur-Quan Masters HD – Download Statistics". SourceForge. Ur Quan Masters HD. December 4, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[PCGNHD-30] Tarason, Dominic (October 22, 2017). "DOS classics Star Control 1 & 2 hit Steam, but you might want to try this HD fan-remaster". PC Games N. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[SourceForge-31] "The Ur-Quan Masters – Download Statistics". SourceForge. The Ur-Quan Masters. October 10, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2021.

[:7-32] Sanchay, Pre (May 12, 2021). Kalata, Kurt (ed.). "Now and Forever: The Legacy of the Star Control II Universe – Hardcore Gaming 101". Hardcore Gaming 101. Retrieved May 18, 2021.

[33] Noone, Paul (March 2003). Disc Master Ur-Quan Masters. PC PowerPlay Issue 084. p. 112. Retrieved October 22, 2020.

[pelitUQM2-34] Berschewsky, Tapio (January 2, 2004). "Ur-Quan Masters (PC) – Vapaus tai kuolema!". Pelit. Retrieved October 22, 2020.

[35] Staff (August 2008). "The Final Frontier". PC Gamer – Volume 15, Issue 8. p. 49. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[36] Staff (January 2010). Space is the Place. Game Developer Magazine. p. 4. Retrieved October 22, 2020.

[37] Griliopoulos, Daniel (December 2015). "Best Free Games – The Ur-Quan Masters". Maximum PC. Future US. p. 54. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[38] Corpuz, John (April 19, 2017). "15 Classic PC Games Gone Free". Tom's Guide. Retrieved November 29, 2020.

[RPSUQM-39] Meer, Alec (January 7, 2013). "Ur-Quan Masters HD: A Star Control 2 Remake". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved December 4, 2020.

[blog1-40] Dan Gerstein (October 24, 2023). "Introducing Free Stars: Children of Infinity".

[41] Makuch, Eddie (April 4, 2024). "Free Stars: Children Of Infinity Trailer Debuts, Kickstarter Coming Soon". GameSpot.

[kickstarter1-42] Dustin Bailey (April 16, 2024). "After 32 years, the 1992 open-world space game that helped inspire Mass Effect is getting a proper sequel". GamesRadar.

[43] Peter, Bathge (April 18, 2024). "Entwickler eines SciFi-Spiels werden mit Geld beworfen, weil der Gratis-Vorgänger so gut war". GameStar.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Short description|2002 game modification of Star Control II}}
+{{Italic title}}
 {{good article}}
 {{use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
-{{Infobox video game
+{{Infobox software
+| title = ''The Ur-Quan Masters''
-| collapsible =
+<!-- Commented out: | image = Ur-Quan Masters title screen.png -->
-| state =
-| title = The Ur-Quan Masters
-| image = Ur-Quan Masters title screen.png
 | caption = Title screen
-| developer = The Ur-Quan Masters Port Crew<ref name="credits"/>
+| author = [[Toys for Bob]]
+| developer = The Ur-Quan Masters Port Crew<ref name="credits" />
+| replaces = ''[[Star Control II]]''
-| publisher =
+| repo = {{URL|https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/}}
-| series = ''[[Star Control]]''
+| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Linux]]
-| engine =
-| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Linux]]
 | released = 2002
+| latest release version = 0.8
+| latest release date = {{start date and age|2021|01|04|df=yes}}
+| license = {{plainlist|
+* Code under [[GNU General Public License|GPL-2.0-or-later]]
+* Resources under [[Creative Commons license|CC BY-NC-SA 2.5]]
+* Documentation under [[Creative Commons license|CC BY-SA 2.0]]}}
 | genre = [[Adventure game|Adventure]], [[shoot 'em up]]
-| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
+<!-- | modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]] -->
+| website = {{URL|http://sc2.sourceforge.net/}}
-}}'''''The Ur-Quan Masters''''' is a 2002 open-source [[fangame]] modification, based on the [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] science fiction game ''[[Star Control II]]''. The original game was released for PCs in 1992 and ported to the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]] in 1994. It has been frequently mentioned among the [[List of video games considered the best|best games of all time]], with additional praise for its writing, world design, character design, and music.
+}}
+'''''The Ur-Quan Masters''''' is a 2002 open-source [[fangame]] modification, based on the [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] science fiction game ''[[Star Control II]]''. The original game was released for PCs in 1992 and ported to the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]] in 1994. It has been frequently mentioned among the [[List of video games considered the best|best games of all time]], with additional praise for its writing, world design, character design, and music.
-After the ''Star Control II'' copyrights reverted to creators [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford (programmer)|Fred Ford]], they [[GNU General Public License|licensed]] their content to their fan community to keep their series in the public eye. The open-source development team was able to remake the 3DO version as a port to modern operating systems, and allowed fan-made [[Video game modding|modifications]] to add improvements absent in the original release. Released under the title ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' (the [[Subtitle (titling)|subtitle]] of the original game), the modified remake has since been downloaded nearly two million times, earning critical reception as one of the best free games available, with additional praise for a high-definition graphics fan modification.
+After the ''Star Control II'' copyrights reverted to creators [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford (programmer)|Fred Ford]], they licensed their content to their fan community under the [[GNU General Public License]], to keep their series in the public eye. The open-source development team remade the 3DO version as a port to modern operating systems, and allowed fan-made [[Video game modding|modifications]] to add improvements absent in the original release. Released under the title ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' (the [[Subtitle (titling)|subtitle]] of the original game), the modified remake has since been downloaded nearly two million times, earning critical reception as one of the best free games available, with additional praise for a high-definition graphics fan modification.
 == Gameplay ==
 {{See also|Star Control II#Gameplay|Star Control II#Plot}}
 [[File:The Ur-Quan Masters.jpg|left|thumb|Players may freely explore planets and moons.]]
-''The Ur-Quan Masters'' is a re-make of ''[[Star Control II]]'', an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[science fiction]] game set in an [[Open world|open]] universe.<ref name="bestclassic22">{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Kirk |date=September 19, 2013 |title=The Game That 'Won' Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner) |language=en-US |work=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/the-game-that-won-our-classic-pc-games-list-if-it-ha-1349952997 |url-status=live |access-date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223004048/https://kotaku.com/the-game-that-won-our-classic-pc-games-list-if-it-ha-1349952997 |archive-date=February 23, 2018}}</ref> The game includes exploration, resource-gathering, combat, and [[Dialogue tree|diplomacy]].<ref name=":02">{{Citation|last=Blake|first=Michael|title=PC Gaming: Doomed? or zDoomed?|date=June 23, 2011|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/23/pc-gaming-doomed-or-zdoomed|work=IGN|language=en|access-date=October 8, 2020}}</ref> Much of the game is played from a [[Video game graphics#Top-down perspective|top-down perspective]],<ref name=":1" /> and features [[Action game|real-time combat]] between alien ships with different abilities.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|last=Haas|first=Pete|date=January 1, 2013|title=Star Control 2 HD Remake Now Available|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Star-Control-2-HD-Remake-Now-Available-50953.html|access-date=December 4, 2020|publisher=Cinema Blend}}</ref> The player can freely explore a galaxy with hundreds of stars, planets, and moons, which contain resources for the player to scan and retrieve in a lander vehicle.<ref name=":1" /> In diplomacy, the player converses with alien races in [[Dialogue tree|branching dialog]] sequences, with the goal of rallying an alliance to defeat the titular antagonists, the [[Ur-Quan]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web|last=Hope|first=Patrick|date=September 24, 2013|title=Patrick Hope: Into the vault with little-known Ur-Quan Masters|url=https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/opinion/1828478-patrick-hope-vault-little-known-ur-quan-masters|access-date=May 28, 2020|website=The Dickinson Press|language=en}}</ref> The combat featured in the story can also be played on demand in the "Super Melee" mode.<ref name=":02" /><ref name="HG101series2" />
+''The Ur-Quan Masters'' is a re-make of ''[[Star Control II]]'', an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[science fiction]] game set in an [[Open world|open]] universe.<ref name="bestclassic22">{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Kirk |date=September 19, 2013 |title=The Game That 'Won' Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner) |language=en-US |work=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/the-game-that-won-our-classic-pc-games-list-if-it-ha-1349952997 |url-status=live |access-date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223004048/https://kotaku.com/the-game-that-won-our-classic-pc-games-list-if-it-ha-1349952997 |archive-date=February 23, 2018}}</ref> The game includes exploration, resource-gathering, combat, and [[Dialogue tree|diplomacy]].<ref name=":02">{{Citation |last=Blake |first=Michael |title=PC Gaming: Doomed? or zDoomed? |date=June 23, 2011 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/23/pc-gaming-doomed-or-zdoomed |work=IGN |language=en |access-date=October 8, 2020}}</ref> Much of the game is played from a [[Video game graphics#Top-down perspective|top-down perspective]],<ref name=":1" /> and features [[Action game|real-time combat]] between alien ships with different abilities.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Haas |first=Pete |date=January 1, 2013 |title=Star Control 2 HD Remake Now Available |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Star-Control-2-HD-Remake-Now-Available-50953.html |access-date=December 4, 2020 |publisher=Cinema Blend}}</ref> The player can freely explore a galaxy with hundreds of stars, planets, and moons, which contain resources for the player to scan and retrieve in a lander vehicle.<ref name=":1" /> In diplomacy, the player converses with alien races in [[Dialogue tree|branching dialog]] sequences, with the goal of rallying an alliance to defeat the titular antagonists, the [[Ur-Quan]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Hope |first=Patrick |date=September 24, 2013 |title=Patrick Hope: Into the vault with little-known Ur-Quan Masters |url=https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/opinion/1828478-patrick-hope-vault-little-known-ur-quan-masters |access-date=May 28, 2020 |website=The Dickinson Press |language=en}}</ref> The combat featured in the story can also be played as a separate mode called "Super Melee".<ref name=":02" /><ref name="HG101series2" />
-The player plays the role of the captain of a spaceship, which returns to Earth after a stranded research mission.<ref name=":1" /> Discovering that Earth has been conquered by the Ur-Quan, the player begins a quest to acquire knowledge, resources, and allies in order to free humanity from slavery.<ref name=":1" /> The player contacts dozens of unique alien races, influencing the outcome of the conflict.<ref name=":02" /> After rallying humanity's former allies, the captain is able to overcome and defeat the Ur-Quan.<ref name=":6" />
+The player plays the role of the captain of a spaceship, which returns to Earth after a lost research mission.<ref name=":1" /> The captain quickly discovers that Earth has been conquered by the Ur-Quan, and begins a quest to acquire knowledge, resources, and allies in order to free humanity from slavery.<ref name=":1" /> During the story, the Ur-Quan become entangled in a civil war,<ref name="RPSretrospective2">{{cite web|author=Corbett|first=Richard|date=February 15, 2016|title=The RPG Scrollbars: Praise The Ur-Quan Masters|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/02/15/star-control-ii-retrospective/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009112359/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/02/15/star-control-ii-retrospective/|archive-date=October 9, 2020|access-date=October 14, 2020|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]}}</ref> allowing the captain to contact dozens of unique alien races, and ultimately influence the outcome of the conflict.<ref name=":02" /> After rallying humanity's former allies, the captain is able to overcome and defeat the Ur-Quan.<ref name=":6" />
 == Development ==
 [[File:Classic_Game_Postmortem-_Star_Control_(16552069930).jpg|thumb|Paul Reiche III (left) and Fred Ford (center) licensed the source code to ''Star Control II'' under the [[GNU General Public License]].  ]]
-The ''Star Control'' series was created by [[Fred Ford (programmer)|Fred Ford]] and [[Paul Reiche III|Paul Reiche]], and published by [[Accolade (company)|Accolade]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=September 11, 2018|title=Star Control|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/star-control/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223204228/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/star-control/|archive-date=February 23, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2020|website=Hardcore Gaming 101|language=en-US}}</ref> The first release in 1990 was a space strategy and [[action game]], inspired by the 1961 space combat game ''[[Spacewar!]]''.<ref name="retrogamer14" /> ''Star Control II'', the 1992 sequel, abandoned the first game's strategic elements and greatly expanded the story,<ref name="HG101series2" /> wrapping the combat system into an adventure-based narrative.<ref name="retrogamer14" /> Its [[Porting|port]] to the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]] console in 1994 added fully voiced dialog and other updates to the sound and graphics.<ref name="HG101series2" /> ''Star Control'' received awards upon release, and ''Star Control II'' received even more.<ref name="retrogamer14" /> Journalists have listed ''Star Control'' among their best games of all time,<ref>{{cite web|author=Polygon Staff|date=November 29, 2017|title=500 Best Games of All Time|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/29/16693094/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-300-201|access-date=December 23, 2020|publisher=Polygon}}</ref> with ''Star Control II'' earning even more "best game" rankings through the 1990s,<ref name=":3">{{plainlist|* {{Cite news|date=August 1994|author=Staff|title=PC Gamer Top 40: The Best Games of All Time|pages=32–42|work=[[PC Gamer|PC Gamer US]], Issue 3}}
+The ''Star Control'' series was created by [[Fred Ford (programmer)|Fred Ford]] and [[Paul Reiche III|Paul Reiche]], and published by [[Accolade (company)|Accolade]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kalata |first=Kurt |date=September 11, 2018 |title=Star Control |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/star-control/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223204228/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/star-control/ |archive-date=February 23, 2020 |access-date=June 3, 2020 |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |language=en-US}}</ref> The first release in 1990 was a space strategy and [[action game]], inspired by the 1961 space combat game ''[[Spacewar!]]''.<ref name="retrogamer14" /> ''Star Control II'', the 1992 sequel, abandoned the first game's strategic elements and greatly expanded the story,<ref name="HG101series2" /> wrapping the combat system into an adventure-based narrative.<ref name="retrogamer14" /> Its [[Porting|port]] to the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]] console in 1994 added fully voiced dialog and other updates to the sound and graphics.<ref name="HG101series2" /> ''Star Control'' received awards upon release, and ''Star Control II'' received even more.<ref name="retrogamer14" /> Journalists have listed ''Star Control'' among their best games of all time,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polygon Staff |date=November 29, 2017 |title=500 Best Games of All Time |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/29/16693094/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-300-201 |access-date=December 23, 2020 |publisher=Polygon}}</ref> with ''Star Control II'' earning even more "best game" rankings through the 1990s,<ref name=":3">{{plainlist|* {{Cite news |last=Staff |date=August 1994 |title=PC Gamer Top 40: The Best Games of All Time |pages=32–42 |work=[[PC Gamer|PC Gamer US]], Issue 3}}
 * {{Cite news|date=April 1994|author=Staff|title=The PC Gamer Top 50 PC Games of All Time|publisher=[[PC Gamer]], Issue 5|pages=43–56}}
-* {{cite news|date=November 1996|author=Staff|title=150 Best Games of All Time|pages=64–80|work=[[Computer Gaming World]]|url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1996&pub=2&id=148|access-date=March 25, 2016}}
+* {{cite magazine|date=November 1996|author=Staff|title=150 Best Games of All Time|pages=64–80|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1996&pub=2&id=148|access-date=March 25, 2016}}
-* {{Cite news|date=February 1999|author=Staff|title=The Fifty Best Games of All Time|work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]], Issue 50}}}}</ref> 2000s,<ref name=":4">{{plainlist|* {{cite web|first=Chris "shaithis"|last=Buecheler|date=September 2000|title=The Gamespy Hall of Fame – Star Control 2|url=http://www.gamespy.com/legacy/halloffame/sc2_a.shtm|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010430133458/http://www.gamespy.com/legacy/halloffame/sc2_a.shtm|archive-date=2001-04-30}}
+* {{Cite news|date=February 1999|author=Staff|title=The Fifty Best Games of All Time|work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]], Issue 50}}}}</ref> 2000s,<ref name=":4">{{plainlist|* {{Cite web |last=Buecheler |first=Chris "shaithis" |date=September 2000 |title=The Gamespy Hall of Fame – Star Control 2 |url=http://www.gamespy.com/legacy/halloffame/sc2_a.shtm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010430133458/http://www.gamespy.com/legacy/halloffame/sc2_a.shtm |archive-date=2001-04-30 |access-date=August 6, 2020 |publisher=[[GameSpy]]}}
 * {{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kasavin|date=June 27, 2003|title=The Greatest Games of All Time – Star Control 2|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-7.html|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=Gamespot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050814235252/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-7.html|archive-date=2005-08-14}}
-* {{Cite web|date=November 23, 2005|author=IGN Staff|title=IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time (2003)|url=http://top100.ign.com/2003/51-60.html|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=[[IGN]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123024006/http://top100.ign.com/2003/51-60.html|archive-date=2005-11-23}}
+* {{Cite web|date=November 23, 2005|author=IGN Staff|title=IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time (2003)|url=http://top100.ign.com/2003/51-60.html|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123024006/http://top100.ign.com/2003/51-60.html|archive-date=2005-11-23}}
-* {{Cite web|date=August 2, 2005|author=IGN Staff|title=IGN's Top 100 Games (2005)|url=http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=IGN|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050802002523/http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html|archive-date=2005-08-02}}}}</ref> and 2010s.<ref name=":5">{{plainlist|* {{Cite news|date=February 19, 2011|author=PC Gamer Staff|title=The 100 best PC games of all time|language=en|work=PC Gamer|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-100-best-pc-games-of-all-time/5/|url-status=live|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219013135/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/02/16/the-100-best-pc-games-of-all-time/5|archive-date=February 19, 2011}}
+* {{Cite web|date=August 2, 2005|author=IGN Staff|title=IGN's Top 100 Games (2005)|url=http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050802002523/http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html|archive-date=2005-08-02}}}}</ref> and 2010s.<ref name=":5">{{plainlist|* {{Cite news|date=February 19, 2011|author=PC Gamer Staff|title=The 100 best PC games of all time|language=en|work=PC Gamer|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-100-best-pc-games-of-all-time/5/|url-status=live|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219013135/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/02/16/the-100-best-pc-games-of-all-time/5|archive-date=February 19, 2011}}
-* {{cite web|date=December 5, 2015|author=Hardcore Gaming Staff|title=HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029065018/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/|archive-date=2017-10-29}}
+* {{Cite web |last=Hardcore Gaming Staff |date=December 5, 2015 |title=HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029065018/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |archive-date=2017-10-29 |access-date=August 6, 2020 |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101}}
-* {{Cite news|last=Hamilton|first=Kirk|date=September 19, 2013|title=The Game That "Won" Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner)|work=[[Kotaku]]|url=http://kotaku.com/the-game-that-won-our-classic-pc-games-list-if-it-ha-1349952997|access-date=August 6, 2020}}}}</ref> ''Star Control II'' is also remembered among the best games in several creative areas, including writing,<ref>{{plainlist|* {{cite web|date=March 2, 2000|author=GameSpot Staff|title=GameSpot's Best 10 Endings|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_bestending/page8.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050219174742/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_bestending/page8.html|archive-date=March 2, 2000|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}
+* {{Cite news|last=Hamilton|first=Kirk|date=September 19, 2013|title=The Game That "Won" Our Classic PC Games List (If It Had A Winner)|work=[[Kotaku]]|url=http://kotaku.com/the-game-that-won-our-classic-pc-games-list-if-it-ha-1349952997|access-date=August 6, 2020}}}}</ref> ''Star Control II'' is also remembered among the best games in several creative areas, including writing,<ref>{{plainlist|* {{Cite web |last=GameSpot Staff |date=March 2, 2000 |title=GameSpot's Best 10 Endings |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_bestending/page8.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050219174742/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_bestending/page8.html |archive-date=February 19, 2005 |access-date=August 6, 2020 |publisher=GameSpot}}
-* {{cite web|date=March 1, 2000|author=GameSpot Staff|title=GameSpot's Ten Best Endings: RC|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_endings/5.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000301230429/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_endings/5.html|archive-date=March 1, 2000|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}}}</ref> world design,<ref>{{plainlist|* {{cite web|title=8 Games That Capture the Infinite Potential of Space|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/8-games-that-capture-the-infinite-potential-of-space/|first=Patrick|last=Lindsey|date=January 7, 2015|publisher=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste magazine]]}}
+* {{cite web|date=March 1, 2000|author=GameSpot Staff|title=GameSpot's Ten Best Endings: RC|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_endings/5.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000301230429/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_endings/5.html|archive-date=March 1, 2000|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}}}</ref> world design,<ref>{{plainlist|* {{Cite web |last=Lindsey |first=Patrick |date=January 7, 2015 |title=8 Games That Capture the Infinite Potential of Space |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/8-games-that-capture-the-infinite-potential-of-space/ |publisher=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste magazine]]}}
-* {{cite web|date=October 18, 2000|author=GameSpot Staff|title=GameSpot's Top 10 Gameworlds|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_worlds/p2_01.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050228215510/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_worlds/p2_01.html|archive-date=October 18, 2000|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}
+* {{cite web|date=October 18, 2000|author=GameSpot Staff|title=GameSpot's Top 10 Gameworlds|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_worlds/p2_01.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050228215510/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_worlds/p2_01.html|archive-date=February 28, 2005|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}
-* {{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Drake|date=November 10, 2019|title=The 10 Biggest Open World Games|url=https://gamerant.com/open-world-games-biggest-maps/|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=Game Rant}}}}</ref> character design,<ref>{{plainlist|* {{cite web|date=October 13, 1999|author=GameSpot Staff|title=The Ten Best Computer Game Villains – The Ur Quan|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains/page11.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020823223224/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains/page11.html|archive-date=October 13, 1999|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}
+* {{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Drake|date=November 10, 2019|title=The 10 Biggest Open World Games|url=https://gamerant.com/open-world-games-biggest-maps/|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=Game Rant}}}}</ref> character design,<ref>{{plainlist|* {{Cite web |last=GameSpot Staff |date=October 13, 1999 |title=The Ten Best Computer Game Villains – The Ur Quan |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains/page11.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020823223224/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains/page11.html |archive-date=August 23, 2002 |access-date=August 6, 2020 |publisher=GameSpot}}
-* {{cite web|date=October 12, 1999|author=GameSpot Staff|title=Reader's Choice: Best Villains – Villains 5–1|url=https://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains_rc/page8.html/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991012071819/https://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains_rc/page8.html/|archive-date=October 12, 1999|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}}}</ref> and music.<ref>{{plainlist|* {{cite web|authors=Brad Stabler, John Twells, Miles Bowe, Scott Wilson and Tom Lea|date=April 18, 2015|title=The 100 best video game soundtracks of all time|url=https://www.factmag.com/2015/04/28/the-100-greatest-video-game-soundtracks-best-ost/|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=[[Fact (UK magazine)|FACT]]}}
+* {{cite web|date=October 12, 1999|author=GameSpot Staff|title=Reader's Choice: Best Villains – Villains 5–1|url=https://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains_rc/page8.html/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991012071819/https://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains_rc/page8.html/|archive-date=October 12, 1999|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}}}</ref> and music.<ref>{{plainlist|* {{Cite web |author=Brad Stabler |author2=John Twells |author3=Miles Bowe |author4=Scott Wilson |author5=Tom Lea |date=April 18, 2015 |title=The 100 best video game soundtracks of all time |url=https://www.factmag.com/2015/04/28/the-100-greatest-video-game-soundtracks-best-ost/ |access-date=August 6, 2020 |publisher=[[Fact (UK magazine)|FACT]]}}
-* {{cite web|date=October 13, 1999|author=GameSpot Staff|title=The Ten Best Game Soundtracks|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_music/page9.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030406171219/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_music/page9.html|archive-date=October 13, 1999|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}
+* {{cite web|date=October 13, 1999|author=GameSpot Staff|title=The Ten Best Game Soundtracks|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_music/page9.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030406171219/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_music/page9.html|archive-date=April 6, 2003|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}
 * {{cite web|date=September 1, 1999|author=GameSpot Staff|title=The Ten Best Game Soundtracks: RC|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_soundtrack/page7.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991012094815/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_soundtrack/page7.html|archive-date=October 12, 1999|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=GameSpot}}}}</ref>
-By the early 2000s, the ''Star Control II'' copyrights reverted to Ford and Reiche, triggered by a contractual clause where the game was no longer generating royalties.<ref name="youtubex2">{{cite web|author=Hutchison|first=Lee|date=July 7, 2020|editor-last=Dacanay|editor-first=Sean|editor2-last=Niehaus|editor2-first=Marcus|title=Star Control Creators Paul Reiche & Fred Ford: Extended Interview|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/an-extended-interview-with-star-control-creators-fred-ford-paul-reiche-iii/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/dfb8c8ea-86c6-46fe-a8e7-c15ac862285amezzanine.txt|archive-date=July 7, 2020|archive-format=Transcript|access-date=July 7, 2020|publisher=Ars Technica|quote='''Fred Ford''': ''Star Control II'', well and ''Star Control I'' have always been near and dear to our hearts. It's the first things we worked on, the first things we poured our passion in together. We have some diehard fans as a result of those two games and we wanted to service them and lay the groundwork for a return and keep the games in the fronts of their minds as much as possible so that when we were finally able to return to it we would still have a living audience. {{break}} '''Paul Reiche''': There was a confluence of events that helped this. One was Accolade stopped selling the game and we stopped earning royalties right around your 2000 and that triggered the termination of their exclusive right to sell our game. So we got our game back. What we didn't have was the name ''Star Control''. That was a trademark that the publisher owned and we negotiated back and forth with them, but ultimately we weren't able to come to terms for the name. So we decided, well we can't use that name, let's give it a new name, so we used the ''Ur-Quan Masters''. And we had our very first summer intern, Chris Nelson, a guy from Boston University and he was out here and he was a diehard open-source fan and he wanted to port our game to open source and then release it and sort of talked us through the ramifications and the choices we had to make. And he and largely Fred then ended up porting the game to a form that people could launch, but it was by no means beautiful, fast and elegant and then just re-released it. ... {{break}} '''Ford''': Chris was responsible for setting up all those connections and he knew dedicated fans who were interested in working on it. {{break}} '''Reiche''': And so from 2002 until today we have had like the "Ur-Quan Masters" site, UQM I think, and they've been maintaining it and porting it to new machines and revising the audio and really keeping it alive in the doldrums between 2001 and then 2011 when our games went back on sale at GOG. So the "Ur-Quan Masters" project, the open-source release of the game we created as "Star Control II", that really kept our game alive in the doldrums between say 2001 or 2002 and then 2011 when our games began to be sold again through Good Old Games, known as GOG, which is an electronic distributor of classic games.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=GameSpy Staff|date=May 15, 2001|title=Interview with Fred Ford|url=http://www.classicgaming.com:80/starcontrol/history/fford4.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010515133200/http://www.classicgaming.com:80/starcontrol/history/fford4.shtml|archive-date=May 15, 2001|access-date=November 29, 2020|website=classicgaming.com|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|quote='''Fred Ford''': [Accolade] owe us another payment for our portion of the property. They have told us they are going to default on this payment which means we are back to owning the characters and settings. They still own the trademark/name and continue to look for someone to buy it from them.}}</ref> With the game no longer available in stores, Ford and Reiche wanted to keep the game in the public eye so that they could one day make another game in the series.<ref name="youtubex2" /> Ford and Reiche still owned the rights to ''Star Control I'' and ''II'', but they could not successfully purchase the ''Star Control'' [[trademark]] from publisher Accolade,<ref name="pelit2">{{cite web|author=Nirvi|first=Niko|date=March 21, 2006|title=Star Control – Kontrollin aikakirjat|url=https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=[[Pelit]]}}</ref> so they chose the title ''The Ur-Quan Masters''.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|author=Walker|first=Trey|date=June 26, 2002|title=Star Control II remake in the works|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-ii-remake-in-the-works/1100-2872407/?utm_campaign=gamespace_news|access-date=December 23, 2020|work=GameSpot}}</ref> Their independent studio [[Toys for Bob]] hired Chris Nelson as their first summer intern, who was enthusiastic for [[open-source]] software. Nelson worked with Ford to port the game to modern operating systems.<ref name="youtubex2" /> Ford recalled, "we haven't made a sequel yet, so we thought the least we could do is release the source code and let the fans revive it on modern computers".<ref name="Barton2016">{{cite book|author=Barton|first=Matt|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UV7OBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA203|title=Honoring the Code: Conversations with Great Game Designers|date=April 19, 2016|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-1-4665-6754-2|pages=203–|access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref>
+By the early 2000s, the ''Star Control II'' copyrights reverted to Ford and Reiche, triggered by a contractual clause where the game was no longer generating royalties.<ref name="youtubex2">{{Cite web |last=Hutchison |first=Lee |date=July 7, 2020 |editor-last=Dacanay |editor-first=Sean |editor2-last=Niehaus |editor2-first=Marcus |title=Star Control Creators Paul Reiche & Fred Ford: Extended Interview |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/an-extended-interview-with-star-control-creators-fred-ford-paul-reiche-iii/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707194115/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/an-extended-interview-with-star-control-creators-fred-ford-paul-reiche-iii/ |archive-date=July 7, 2020 |archive-format=Transcript |access-date=July 7, 2020 |publisher=Ars Technica |quote='''Fred Ford''': ''Star Control II'', well and ''Star Control I'' have always been near and dear to our hearts. It's the first things we worked on, the first things we poured our passion in together. We have some diehard fans as a result of those two games and we wanted to service them and lay the groundwork for a return and keep the games in the fronts of their minds as much as possible so that when we were finally able to return to it we would still have a living audience. {{break}} '''Paul Reiche''': There was a confluence of events that helped this. One was Accolade stopped selling the game and we stopped earning royalties right around your 2000 and that triggered the termination of their exclusive right to sell our game. So we got our game back. What we didn't have was the name ''Star Control''. That was a trademark that the publisher owned and we negotiated back and forth with them, but ultimately we weren't able to come to terms for the name. So we decided, well we can't use that name, let's give it a new name, so we used the ''Ur-Quan Masters''. And we had our very first summer intern, Chris Nelson, a guy from Boston University and he was out here and he was a diehard open-source fan and he wanted to port our game to open source and then release it and sort of talked us through the ramifications and the choices we had to make. And he and largely Fred then ended up porting the game to a form that people could launch, but it was by no means beautiful, fast and elegant and then just re-released it. ... {{break}} '''Ford''': Chris was responsible for setting up all those connections and he knew dedicated fans who were interested in working on it. {{break}} '''Reiche''': And so from 2002 until today we have had like the "Ur-Quan Masters" site, UQM I think, and they've been maintaining it and porting it to new machines and revising the audio and really keeping it alive in the doldrums between 2001 and then 2011 when our games went back on sale at GOG. So the "Ur-Quan Masters" project, the open-source release of the game we created as "Star Control II", that really kept our game alive in the doldrums between say 2001 or 2002 and then 2011 when our games began to be sold again through Good Old Games, known as GOG, which is an electronic distributor of classic games. }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=GameSpy Staff |date=May 15, 2001 |title=Interview with Fred Ford |url=http://www.classicgaming.com:80/starcontrol/history/fford4.shtml  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010515133200/http://www.classicgaming.com/starcontrol/history/fford4.shtml |archive-date=May 15, 2001 |access-date=November 29, 2020 |website=classicgaming.com |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |quote='''Fred Ford''': [Accolade] owe us another payment for our portion of the property. They have told us they are going to default on this payment which means we are back to owning the characters and settings. They still own the trademark/name and continue to look for someone to buy it from them. }}</ref> With the game no longer available in stores, Ford and Reiche wanted to keep the game in the public eye so that they could one day make another game in the series.<ref name="youtubex2" /> Ford and Reiche still owned the rights to ''Star Control I'' and ''II'', but they could not successfully purchase the ''Star Control'' [[trademark]] from publisher Accolade,<ref name="pelit2">{{Cite web |last=Nirvi |first=Niko |date=March 21, 2006 |title=Star Control – Kontrollin aikakirjat |url=https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ |access-date=August 6, 2020 |publisher=[[Pelit]]}}</ref> so they chose the title ''The Ur-Quan Masters''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Trey |date=June 26, 2002 |title=Star Control II remake in the works |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-ii-remake-in-the-works/1100-2872407/ |access-date=December 23, 2020 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> Their independent studio [[Toys for Bob]] hired Chris Nelson as their first summer intern, who was enthusiastic for [[open-source]] software. Nelson worked with Ford to port the game to modern operating systems.<ref name="youtubex2" /> Ford recalled, "we haven't made a sequel yet, so we thought the least we could do is release the source code and let the fans revive it on modern computers".<ref name="Barton2016">{{Cite book |last=Barton |first=Matt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UV7OBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA203 |title=Honoring the Code: Conversations with Great Game Designers |date=April 19, 2016 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-4665-6754-2 |pages=203– |access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref>
-The open-source project officially launched in 2002, when Ford and Reiche licensed the [[source code]] from the 3DO version of ''Star Control II'' as open source under the [[GNU General Public License]].<ref name="oreilly2005">{{cite web|last=Wen|first=Howard|date=August 11, 2005|title=The Ur-Quan Masters|url=http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2005/08/11/ur-quan.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316091529/http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2005/08/11/ur-quan.html|archive-date=March 16, 2016|access-date=October 22, 2020|publisher=[[O'Reilly Media]]}}</ref> Ford and Reiche own all the copyrighted content in the first two ''Star Control'' games,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parrish|first=Peter|date=July 23, 2013|title=Open source Star Control 2 team express doubts over Atari IP sale|url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/open-source-star-control-2-team-express-doubts-over-atari-ip-sale/|access-date=November 15, 2020|website=PC Invasion}}</ref> and granted the fan-operated project a free, perpetual license to the ''Star Control II'' content and the ''Ur-Quan Masters'' trademark.<ref name="UQMTM">{{cite web|author=Ford|first=Fred|last2=Reiche III|first2=Paul|date=June 11, 2019|title=The Only Way To Win Is|url=https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2019/6/11/the-only-way-to-win-is|access-date=December 4, 2020|publisher=Updates from Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III}}</ref> The first version of ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' was inefficient by Ford and Reiche's standards, but Nelson knew skilled contacts in the open-source community who could make progress on the project.<ref name="youtubex2" /> The fan community continued the project with further support, enhancements, and modifications.<ref name="HG101series2">{{cite web|author=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=September 11, 2018|title=Star Control II|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/star-control-ii/|access-date=October 22, 2020|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101}}</ref> The credits screen names the "core team" as Serge van den Boom, Mika Kolehmainen, Michael Chapman Martin, Chris Nelson, and Alex Volkov.<ref name="credits">{{cite video game |title=The Ur-Quan Masters |trans-title= |developer=Fred Ford, Paul Reiche III, Port Crew |publisher= |date=2002 |platform=PC |version=6.2 |scene=Credits |level= |language= |quote= }}</ref> Ford and Reiche personally credit the open-source remake for making their creation available from 2001 to 2011, before ''Star Control'' became available for sale digitally through [[GOG.com]].<ref name="youtubex2" /> In an interview, the fans-turned-developers stated that a for-profit company would not be able to justify the port and remake, and that "without the open-source philosophy, ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' would never have existed".<ref name="oreilly2005" />
+The open-source project officially launched in 2002, when Ford and Reiche licensed the [[source code]] from the 3DO version of ''Star Control II'' as open source under the [[GNU General Public License]].<ref name="oreilly2005">{{Cite web |last=Wen |first=Howard |date=August 11, 2005 |title=The Ur-Quan Masters |url=http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2005/08/11/ur-quan.html  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316091529/http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2005/08/11/ur-quan.html |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |access-date=October 22, 2020 |publisher=[[O'Reilly Media]]}}</ref> Ford and Reiche own all the copyrighted content in the first two ''Star Control'' games,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Peter |date=July 23, 2013 |title=Open source Star Control 2 team express doubts over Atari IP sale |url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/open-source-star-control-2-team-express-doubts-over-atari-ip-sale/ |access-date=November 15, 2020 |website=PC Invasion}}</ref> and granted the fan-operated project a free, perpetual license to the ''Star Control II'' content and the ''Ur-Quan Masters'' trademark.<ref name="UQMTM">{{Cite web |last1=Ford |first1=Fred |last2=Reiche III |first2=Paul |date=June 11, 2019 |title=The Only Way To Win Is |url=https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2019/6/11/the-only-way-to-win-is |access-date=December 4, 2020 |publisher=Updates from Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818144639/https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2019/6/11/the-only-way-to-win-is  }}</ref> The first version of ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' suffered from performance issues, but Nelson knew skilled contacts in the open-source community who could make progress on the project.<ref name="youtubex2" /> The fan community continued the project with further support, enhancements, and modifications.<ref name="HG101series2">{{Cite web |last=Kalata |first=Kurt |date=September 11, 2018 |title=Star Control II |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/star-control-ii/ |access-date=October 22, 2020 |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101}}</ref> The credits screen names the "core team" as Serge van den Boom, Mika Kolehmainen, Michael Chapman Martin, Chris Nelson, and Alex Volkov.<ref name="credits">{{Cite video game |title=The Ur-Quan Masters |developer=Fred Ford, Paul Reiche III, Port Crew |platform=PC |version=6.2 |scene=Credits |date=2002}}</ref> Ford and Reiche personally credit the open-source remake for making their creation available from 2001 to 2011, before ''Star Control'' became available for sale digitally through [[GOG.com]].<ref name="youtubex2" /> In an interview, the fans-turned-developers stated that a for-profit company would not be able to justify the port and remake, and that "without the open-source philosophy, ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' would never have existed".<ref name="oreilly2005" />
+Ford and Reiche launched a development studio, Pistol Shrimp, using it to take the open-source to create a new version of ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' for modern systems. This will be released for free in February 2024 for Windows computers under the name ''Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters'' as to avoid the intellectual property issue with Stardock. Pistol Shrimp have also started developing a sequel to this game, titled ''Ghosts of the Precursors''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/24070632/star-control-free-stars-ur-quan-masters-steam-release-date | title = PC sci-fi classic Star Control returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = February 13, 2024 | accessdate = February 13, 2024 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>
 == Modifications ==
-[[File:Ur-Quan Masters HD Melnorme.png|thumb|''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'' redrew the images in the game and has a reputation of its own.]]
+<!-- Commented out: [[File:Ur-Quan Masters HD Melnorme.png|thumb|''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'' redrew the images in the game and has a reputation of its own.]] -->
-''The Ur-Quan Masters'' has an active fanbase that maintains both the open-source project and an extensive [[wiki]].<ref name="Barton2016" /> The most essential modifications extended the original code to operate on newer operating systems, resolving compatibility issues with the native [[DOS]] game.<ref name="HG101series2" /> Fans have since modified and extended the project several times. Reiche has commented, "our policy has been to let people do whatever they want, as long as they don't turn our characters into mass murderers or make money with it. If you're making money with our stuff, we'd like a pizza".<ref name="Barton2016" />
+''The Ur-Quan Masters'' has an active fanbase, maintaining both the open-source project and an extensive [[wiki]].<ref name="Barton2016" /> The most essential modifications extended the original code to operate on newer operating systems, resolving compatibility issues with the native [[DOS]] game.<ref name="HG101series2" /> Fans have since modified and extended the project several times. Reiche has commented, "our policy has been to let people do whatever they want, as long as they don't turn our characters into mass murderers or make money with it. If you're making money with our stuff, we'd like a pizza".<ref name="Barton2016" />
-''The Ur-Quan Masters'' introduced features from the 3DO version that were previously unavailable on other platforms, including improved graphics and full voice acting.<ref name="HG101series2" /> The extensions further added [[Video game modding|mod]] support and online multiplayer combat, neither of which were supported in the original games.<ref name=":6" /> The most notable fan modification is the high-definition version of the game, ''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'', which was released in 2013.<ref name="kotakuuqm" /><ref name=":0" /> It was created by re-painting every frame of animation by hand.<ref name="PCGNHD">{{cite web|author=Tarason|first=Dominic|date=October 22, 2017|title=DOS classics Star Control 1 & 2 hit Steam, but you might want to try this HD fan-remaster|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/Star-Control-Origins/Star-Control-Origins-DOS-Ur-Quan-Masters-HD|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=PC Games N}}</ref>
+''The Ur-Quan Masters'' introduced features from the 3DO version that were previously unavailable on other platforms, including improved graphics and full voice acting.<ref name="HG101series2" /> The extensions further added [[Video game modding|mod]] support and online multiplayer combat, neither of which were supported in the original games.<ref name=":6" /> The most notable fan modification is the high-definition version of the game, ''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'', which was released in 2013.<ref name="kotakuuqm" /><ref name=":0" /> It was created by re-painting every frame of animation by hand.<ref name="PCGNHD">{{Cite web |last=Tarason |first=Dominic |date=October 22, 2017 |title=DOS classics Star Control 1 & 2 hit Steam, but you might want to try this HD fan-remaster |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/Star-Control-Origins/Star-Control-Origins-DOS-Ur-Quan-Masters-HD |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=PC Games N}}</ref>
 == Reception ==
-Since its release, ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' has been downloaded 1.9 million times {{as of|2021|lc=y}} on [[SourceForge]].<ref name="SourceForge">{{cite web|date=October 10, 2021|title=The Ur-Quan Masters – Download Statistics|url=https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-01-01%20to%202021-12-01&period=monthly|access-date=October 10, 2021|website=SourceForge|publisher=The Ur-Quan Masters}}</ref> Soon after its debut, the game was featured in ''[[PC PowerPlay]]'' in its compilation of free games, celebrating it as a "timeless classic" from the "golden age of gaming".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Noone|first=Paul|url=http://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-084-2003-03|title=Disc Master Ur-Quan Masters|date=March 2003|publisher=PC PowerPlay Issue 084|pages=112|language=en|access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> Finnish magazine ''[[Pelit]]'' rated it five stars in 2004 for its timeless appeal, as well as new features and remixed music.<ref name="pelitUQM2">{{cite web|author=Berschewsky|first=Tapio|date=January 2, 2004|title=Ur-Quan Masters (PC) – Vapaus tai kuolema!|url=https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/ur-quan-masters-pc/|access-date=October 22, 2020|publisher=Pelit}}</ref> ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' featured ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' on the cover of their June 2005 edition. They further praised Ford and Reiche for making such a high-quality game available as an open-source project, stating that "this small Californian group has seen fit to grace the gaming world with one of its finest achievements, and at no cost".<ref name="retrogamer14">{{cite magazine|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|date=June 2005|title=Control & Conquer|url=http://publicaciones.retromuseo.com:8123/Revistasv1/Retro%20Gamer%20%5Ben-UK%5D/retro%20gamer%20%5Ben-uk%5D%20014.pdf|magazine=Retro Gamer Volume Two, Issue Two|pages=85–87|access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> In a 2011 feature about open-source games, Michael Blake of ''[[IGN]]'' celebrated ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' as one of the greatest games and a "pitch-perfect port to modern operating systems", which "completely hooked me, with the genius single-player storyline and the hectic multiplayer of Super Melee mode both good enough to warrant the download on their own".<ref name=":02" /> ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]'' also called it "a brilliant port and a fantastic initiative to keep old games relevant".<ref name="HG101series2" />
+Since its 2002 release, ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' has been downloaded nearly two million times as of 2021.<ref name="SourceForge">{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2021 |title=The Ur-Quan Masters – Download Statistics |url=https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-01-01%20to%202021-12-01&period=monthly |access-date=October 10, 2021 |website=SourceForge |publisher=The Ur-Quan Masters}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Sanchay|first=Pre|date=May 12, 2021|editor-last=Kalata|editor-first=Kurt|title=Now and Forever: The Legacy of the Star Control II Universe – Hardcore Gaming 101|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/now-and-forever-the-legacy-of-the-star-control-ii-universe/|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Hardcore Gaming 101|language=en-US}}</ref> Soon after its debut, the game was featured in ''[[PC PowerPlay]]'' in its compilation of free games, celebrating it as a "timeless classic" from the "golden age of gaming".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Noone |first=Paul |url=http://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-084-2003-03 |title=Disc Master Ur-Quan Masters |date=March 2003 |publisher=PC PowerPlay Issue 084 |page=112 |language=en |access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> Finnish magazine ''[[Pelit]]'' rated it five stars in 2004 for its timeless appeal, as well as new features and remixed music.<ref name="pelitUQM2">{{Cite web |last=Berschewsky |first=Tapio |date=January 2, 2004 |title=Ur-Quan Masters (PC) – Vapaus tai kuolema! |url=https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/ur-quan-masters-pc/ |access-date=October 22, 2020 |publisher=Pelit}}</ref> ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' featured ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' on the cover of their June 2005 edition. They further praised Ford and Reiche for making such a high-quality game available as an open-source project, stating that "this small Californian group has seen fit to grace the gaming world with one of its finest achievements, and at no cost".<ref name="retrogamer14">{{Cite magazine |last=Szczepaniak |first=John |date=June 2005 |title=Control & Conquer |url=http://publicaciones.retromuseo.com:8123/Revistasv1/Retro%20Gamer%20%5Ben-UK%5D/retro%20gamer%20%5Ben-uk%5D%20014.pdf |magazine=Retro Gamer Volume Two, Issue Two |pages=85–87 |access-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-date=July 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706201713/http://publicaciones.retromuseo.com:8123/Revistasv1/Retro%20Gamer%20%5Ben-UK%5D/retro%20gamer%20%5Ben-uk%5D%20014.pdf  }}</ref> In a 2011 feature about open-source games, Michael Blake of ''[[IGN]]'' lauded ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' as one of the greatest games and a "pitch-perfect port to modern operating systems", which "completely hooked me, with the genius single-player storyline and the hectic multiplayer of Super Melee mode both good enough to warrant the download on their own".<ref name=":02" /> ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]'' also called it "a brilliant port and a fantastic initiative to keep old games relevant".<ref name="HG101series2" />
-''The Ur-Quan Masters'' has been included on several best games lists since its release. In 2008, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' named ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' as one of the best free games.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Staff|date=August 2008|title=The Final Frontier|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oYFYAAAAYAAJ|magazine=PC Gamer – Volume 15, Issue 8|pages=49|access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> [[Game Developer (magazine)|''Game Developer Magazine'']] featured the game in its 2010 list of open-source space games, praising its scale and charm, as well as its new features.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Staff|url=http://archive.org/details/GDM_January_2010|title=Space is the Place|date=January 2010|publisher=Game Developer Magazine|pages=4|language=en|access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> The game was also listed in ''[[Maximum PC]]'''s 2015 "best free games" feature.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Griliopoulos|first=Daniel|url=https://archive.org/details/Maximum_PC_December_2015_USA/page/n53/mode/2up|title=Best Free Games – The Ur-Quan Masters|publisher=Maximum PC|date=December 2015|location=United States|pages=54|access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> [[Tom's Hardware|''Tom's Guide'']] included ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' in its list of top classic games re-released for free, praising its staying power: "few games today feature the same mix of narrative depth, sandbox exploration and enjoyable space combat that have won the game a cult following to this day".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Corpuz|first=John|date=April 19, 2017|title=15 Classic PC Games Gone Free|url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/486-best-free-classic-pc-games.html|access-date=November 29, 2020|website=[[Tom's Guide]]|language=en}}</ref> In 2019, ''[[PCGamesN]]'' ranked ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' as one of the top 15 space games ever made and "one of the best free PC games you'll ever find", celebrating its characters, dialog and sense of discovery.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Staff|date=January 27, 2019|title=The best space games on PC|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/15-best-pc-space-games|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127161943/https://www.pcgamesn.com/15-best-pc-space-games|archive-date=January 27, 2019|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=[[PCGamesN]]}}</ref>
+''The Ur-Quan Masters'' has been included on several best games lists since its release. In 2008, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' named ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' as one of the best free games.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Staff |date=August 2008 |title=The Final Frontier |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oYFYAAAAYAAJ |magazine=PC Gamer – Volume 15, Issue 8 |page=49 |access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> [[Game Developer (magazine)|''Game Developer Magazine'']] featured the game in its 2010 list of open-source space games, praising its scale and charm, as well as its new features.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Staff |url=http://archive.org/details/GDM_January_2010 |title=Space is the Place |date=January 2010 |publisher=Game Developer Magazine |page=4 |language=en |access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> The game was also listed in ''[[Maximum PC]]'''s 2015 "best free games" feature.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Griliopoulos |first=Daniel |date=December 2015 |title=Best Free Games – The Ur-Quan Masters |url=https://archive.org/details/Maximum_PC_December_2015_USA/page/n53/mode/2up |magazine=Maximum PC |publisher=Future US |page=54 |access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> [[Tom's Hardware|''Tom's Guide'']] included ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' in its list of top classic games re-released for free, praising its staying power: "few games today feature the same mix of narrative depth, sandbox exploration and enjoyable space combat that have won the game a cult following to this day".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corpuz |first=John |date=April 19, 2017 |title=15 Classic PC Games Gone Free |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/486-best-free-classic-pc-games.html |access-date=November 29, 2020 |website=[[Tom's Guide]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2019, ''[[PCGamesN]]'' ranked ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' as one of the top 15 space games ever made and "one of the best free PC games you'll ever find", noting its characters, dialog and sense of discovery.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=January 27, 2019 |title=The best space games on PC |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/15-best-pc-space-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127161943/https://www.pcgamesn.com/15-best-pc-space-games |archive-date=January 27, 2019 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[PCGamesN]]}}</ref>
 === ''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'' ===
-''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'' has received praise of its own. ''[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]'' celebrated it as an "ambitious and well-received fan-made (and free) remake", which "retains a certain 1990s vibe despite being made more appropriate to modern machines. It lends it a certain psychedelic silliness that today's more self-regarding space games seem to lack."<ref name="RPSUQM">{{cite web|author=Meer|first=Alec|date=January 7, 2013|title=Ur-Quan Masters HD: A Star Control 2 Remake|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/01/07/ur-quan-masters-hd-a-star-control-2-remake/|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]}}</ref> ''Kotaku'' likewise praised the HD updates to the visuals and sound,<ref name="kotakuuqm">{{cite web|author=Booker|first=Logan|date=January 12, 2013|title=Relive The Glory Of Star Control II In Delicious High Definition With Ur-Quan Masters HD|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/01/relive-the-glory-of-star-control-ii-in-delicious-high-definition-with-ur-quan-masters-hd/|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=Kotaku}}</ref> and Dominic Tarason of ''PCGamesN'' described the detailed hand-painted modification as "a genuinely impressive piece of work".<ref name="PCGNHD" /> Since its release, ''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'' has been downloaded over 200,000 times on SourceForge.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=December 4, 2020|title=Ur-Quan Masters HD – Download Statistics|url=https://sourceforge.net/projects/urquanmastershd/files/stats/timeline?dates=2012-12-01%20to%202020-12-01&period=monthly|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=SourceForge|publisher=Ur Quan Masters HD}}</ref>
+''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'' has received praise of its own. ''[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]'' celebrated it as an "ambitious and well-received fan-made (and free) remake", which "retains a certain 1990s vibe despite being made more appropriate to modern machines. It lends it a certain psychedelic silliness that today's more self-regarding space games seem to lack."<ref name="RPSUQM">{{Cite web |last=Meer |first=Alec |date=January 7, 2013 |title=Ur-Quan Masters HD: A Star Control 2 Remake |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/01/07/ur-quan-masters-hd-a-star-control-2-remake/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]}}</ref> ''Kotaku'' likewise praised the HD updates to the visuals and sound,<ref name="kotakuuqm">{{Cite web |last=Booker |first=Logan |date=January 12, 2013 |title=Relive The Glory Of Star Control II In Delicious High Definition With Ur-Quan Masters HD |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/01/relive-the-glory-of-star-control-ii-in-delicious-high-definition-with-ur-quan-masters-hd/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217201928/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/01/relive-the-glory-of-star-control-ii-in-delicious-high-definition-with-ur-quan-masters-hd/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> and Dominic Tarason of ''PCGamesN'' described the detailed hand-painted modification as "a genuinely impressive piece of work".<ref name="PCGNHD" /> Since its release, ''The Ur-Quan Masters HD'' has been downloaded over 200,000 times on [[SourceForge]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2020 |title=Ur-Quan Masters HD – Download Statistics |url=https://sourceforge.net/projects/urquanmastershd/files/stats/timeline?dates=2012-12-01%20to%202020-12-01&period=monthly |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=SourceForge |publisher=Ur Quan Masters HD}}</ref>
+== Sequel ==
+{{Main|Free Stars: Children of Infinity}}
+=== ''Free Stars: Children of Infinity'' ===
+On October 24, 2023, the developers, consisting of [[Fred Ford (programmer)|Fred Ford]], [[Dan Gerstein]], [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Ken Ford (programmer)|Ken Ford]], announced the new name of the sequel, [[Free Stars: Children of Infinity]], and launched its corresponding [https://freestarsgame.com/ website].<ref name="blog1">{{cite web |author=Dan Gerstein |date=October 24, 2023 |title=Introducing Free Stars: Children of Infinity
+ |url=https://pistolshrimpgames.com/2023/10/introducing-free-stars-children-of-infinity/}}</ref> The official trailer was shown on the April 4, 2024 on [[GameSpot]] YouTube channel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=April 4, 2024 |title=Free Stars: Children Of Infinity Trailer Debuts, Kickstarter Coming Soon |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-stars-children-of-infinity-trailer-debuts-kickstarter-coming-soon/1100-6522370/ |website=GameSpot}}</ref> A Kickstarter campaign was launched on April 16, 2024 to further the game development of the sequel. Within 3 hours, they met their initial $100 000 USD goal.<ref name="kickstarter1">{{cite web  |author=Dustin Bailey |date=April 16, 2024 |title=After 32 years, the 1992 open-world space game that helped inspire Mass Effect is getting a proper sequel
+ |website=GamesRadar|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/after-32-years-the-1992-open-world-space-game-that-helped-inspire-mass-effect-is-getting-a-proper-sequel/}}</ref> The planning release date for the game is August 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peter |first=Bathge |date=April 18, 2024 |title=Entwickler eines SciFi-Spiels werden mit Geld beworfen, weil der Gratis-Vorgänger so gut war |url=https://www.gamestar.de/videos/entwickler-eines-scifi-spiels-werden-mit-geld-beworfen-weil-der-gratis-vorgaenger-so-gut-war,130261.html |website=GameStar}}</ref>
 ==References==
@@ Line 78: / Line 96: @@
 [[Category:Linux games]]
 [[Category:MacOS games]]
-[[Category:Fangames]]
+[[Category:Fan games]]
 [[Category:Star Control]]
 [[Category:Video game mods]]

v t e Star Control original series
Games	Star Control Star Control II Star Control 3
Developers	Toys for Bob Fred Ford Paul Reiche III Legend Entertainment Accolade
Content	Ur-Quan Intellectual property