Freelancer (video game)

Freelancer
A blond man, wearing an unbuttoned leather jacket, stands at the right, holding a pilot's helmet in his left hand. In the background, spacecraft engage in a massive battle. The words "Freelancer: The Universe of Possibility" are emblazoned at the top.
Developer(s)Digital Anvil
Publisher(s)Microsoft Game Studios
Producer(s)Phil Wattenbarger
Designer(s)
  • Jörg Neumann
  • Adam Foshko
  • Brian Hackert
  • David Chang
  • Dustin Cryer
  • Jacob Crow
  • Will Dougherty
  • Eric Willmar
  • John Sripan
  • Scott Shelton
  • Tod D. Degani
  • Chris Todd
  • Jesse Benitez-Steiner
Programmer(s)
  • Paul Isaac
  • Ed Maurer
  • Tony Bratton
Artist(s)Bruce Lemons
Writer(s)
  • Adam Foshko
  • Jörg Neumann
Composer(s)
Platform(s)Windows
Release
  • NA: March 4, 2003
  • AU: March 11, 2003
  • UK: April 11, 2003
Genre(s)Space trading and combat simulator
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Freelancer is a space trading and combat simulation video game developed by Digital Anvil and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It is a chronological sequel to Digital Anvil's Starlancer, a combat flight simulator released in 2000. The game was initially announced by Chris Roberts in 1999, and following many production schedule mishaps and a buyout of Digital Anvil by Microsoft, it was eventually released in March 2003.

In the game, players take on the roles of spacecraft pilots. These characters fly single-seater ships, exploring the planets and space stations of 48 known star systems. They also engage in dogfights with other pilots (player- and computer-controlled) to protect traders or engage in piracy themselves. Other player activities include bounty-hunting, commodity trading, and resource mining. The single-player mode puts the player in the role of Edison Trent, who goes through a series of missions to save the Sirius sector from a mysterious alien force. In multiplayer mode, players are free to take on any role and to explore anywhere from the start.