Initially led by Edward 'Inquisitor' Gardner, the team is currently led by Tyler 'DahBlount' Blount. To prevent a plethora of different versions of the game from appearing, a single 'umbrella' project (with the unified goal of enhancing the game) under the name FreeSpace 2 Source Code Project was formed.
However, because the source code is under a noncommercial license, it does not qualify as free and open source software. This allowed modders the possibility of modifying the game engine almost without limitations. Without any viable use for the source code, Volition's Dave Baranec released the source code for FreeSpace 2 's game engine on 25 April 2002. With Interplay Entertainment holding the licenses for the FreeSpace series, Volition could not continue to develop the series. Volition, the company responsible for developing the game FreeSpace 2 was bought by THQ in 2000.
