Microsoft Allegiance

Microsoft Allegiance (FreeAllegiance) is a groundbreaking multiplayer space combat simulation and team real-time strategy hybrid originally created by Microsoft Research and released as open source in 2004. Set in the 22nd century amidst the turbulent colonization of the solar system, multiple factions clash for dominance over asteroid-rich sectors connected by interstellar aleph warp gates.

In every battle, two or more teams compete in real-time coordination. One player on each team ascends to the Commander seat in a top-down RTS command view: managing team resources, constructing orbital space stations (Garrisons, Refineries, Tech Bases), deploying automated Helium-3 harvesting miners, conducting strategic research tech upgrades, and issuing tactical waypoint beacons to the fleet.

Simultaneously, all other teammates fly in full first-person 3D space as active combat pilots. Choose from specialized starfighter classes—stealth scouts for probing enemy systems, agile interceptors for space dogfights, heavy tactical bombers with torpedo payloads, gunships for area denial, and multi-crew capital dreadnoughts.

Teamwork and specialization dictate victory. Stealth scouts slip through enemy warp gates to plant target beacons on enemy refineries, heavy bomber wings coordinate timed torpedo runs while interceptors suppress defense turrets, and capital cruisers lead sector sieges with live gunner seats manned by fellow teammates.

Preserved and actively played on Steam and standalone dedicated servers by the FreeAllegiance community, the game features full flight joystick/HOTAS support, active community squad leagues, rookie training academies, and zero microtransactions.