Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Derek Smart

Derek Smart is an video game and entrepreneur, best known as the founder, president, and lead developer of 3000AD, Inc., an independent studio based in , that has focused on developing ambitious simulation games since its establishment in 1992. Smart began working on his debut title in 1989, leading to the 1996 release of Battlecruiser 3000AD through , a combat and strategy simulator that integrated simulation, , and tactical elements and reportedly accounted for 14% of the publisher's annual revenue. Following contractual disputes with the publisher, 3000AD reacquired the rights, issued a revised version in 1997 available for free online, and later produced an expanded edition, BC3K v2.0, in 1998 via , demonstrating early reliance on community feedback and iterative patching to address technical shortcomings. Over three decades, the studio under Smart's direction has produced more than a dozen titles across proprietary franchises, emphasizing large-scale, technically innovative gameplay for niche audiences, while collaborating with platforms from Microsoft, Sony, and Valve, and maintaining operations with a global network of contractors. Smart's approach has involved persistent advocacy for rigorous project management in complex developments, informed by firsthand encounters with scope expansion and delays, though his projects have often faced criticism for unmet expectations and prolonged support cycles. His public commentary on industry practices, including scrutiny of crowdfunding ventures resembling his own conceptual ambitions, has amplified his profile amid ongoing debates about feasibility in high-fidelity simulations.

Early Life and Background

Entry into the Gaming Industry

Derek Smart entered the as an independent developer, beginning work on his first project, , in 1989. This ambitious space combat simulation game, which he designed and coded primarily on his own, marked his initial foray into professional game development using early personal computers. In 1992, Smart founded 3000AD, Inc., in , establishing it as one of the earliest independent studios focused on complex simulation titles. That year, Computer Games Strategy Plus published a preview of , providing Smart's first public exposure in industry media and highlighting the game's innovative blend of , crew management, and 3D space flight. Prior to formal publishing deals, Smart reportedly distributed early game prototypes or related software through informal channels, such as hobby stores, reflecting the grassroots nature of development in the pre-commercial era. Smart's entry emphasized self-reliance, with development funded independently amid the era's limited tools and high barriers for newcomers, setting the stage for a career defined by technically demanding projects. By securing a with later in the , he transitioned from obscurity to broader industry scrutiny, though initial progress relied on his solo programming expertise in languages like and for platforms.

Professional Career

Battlecruiser Series Development

Derek Smart began development of Battlecruiser 3000AD in 1989, aiming to create an ambitious space simulation integrating real-time strategy, combat, and crew management elements. The project, which took nearly a decade to reach initial release, was handled primarily by Smart through his newly founded company, 3000AD, Inc., established in 1992 to support ongoing production. Previews in industry publications from 1992 onward generated significant anticipation, but the scope's complexity led to prolonged iteration on core technologies like dynamic universe simulation and AI behaviors. Take-Two Interactive published Battlecruiser 3000AD in October 1996 as an incomplete beta version to align with holiday sales targets, despite Smart's objections that it lacked polish and full features, resulting in numerous bugs, crashes, and negative reviews that hampered commercial reception. This forced early launch triggered a legal conflict between 3000AD and Take-Two, resolved in January 1998 when Smart's firm reacquired rights, allowing independent completion efforts. Post-settlement, 3000AD released a free "final" update on February 13, 1998, followed by the substantially revised v2.0 in December 1998 via Interplay Productions, which incorporated stability fixes, expanded content, and refined gameplay mechanics. A European variant, v2.08, appeared in October 1999 through GT Interactive. With rights secured and lessons from the debut applied, Smart shifted to Battlecruiser Millennium, a that rebooted elements of the original while advancing the engine for better performance and modularity, developed from approximately 1998 to 2001. Self-published by 3000AD in November 2001, it emphasized enhanced tactical depth and reduced technical issues compared to its predecessor, though it retained the series' demanding focus. An updated Gold Edition followed in April 2003, bundling patches and additional content to address lingering player feedback on balance and interface. Overall, the Battlecruiser series development highlighted Smart's persistence in pursuing integrated systems amid resource constraints, publisher disputes, and iterative fixes driven by community input rather than initial commercial pressures.

Involvement with Descent and Other Licensed Projects

In July 2004, Derek Smart expressed interest in acquiring the intellectual property rights to the Descent: FreeSpace series from Interplay Entertainment to develop FreeSpace 3. He posted on industry forums indicating he was evaluating the bid as an opportunity to expand on the space combat simulation genre established by the original games, developed by Volition and published by Interplay in 1998 and 1999. However, Smart did not proceed with the acquisition and abandoned plans for FreeSpace 3 later that month, citing a shift in focus to his own ongoing projects. Beyond the FreeSpace bid, Smart's engagements with licensed projects primarily involved licensing his own intellectual properties outward or incorporating third-party technology into his developments. His Line of Defense and Alganon game properties were licensed to DC Comics for adaptation into comic books, extending the franchises into print media. In another instance, for Universal Combat (released October 2004), 3000AD licensed the engine from , which Smart had announced as early as 2000 under the working title "Project ABC" to power the game's combined elements. These licensing activities supported cross-media expansion and technical enhancements but did not result in direct development collaborations with external franchises like Descent: FreeSpace.

MMO and Later Game Ventures

In 2010, Derek Smart joined Quest Online, LLC as an investor and team lead for the MMORPG Alganon, which had launched in 2009 but faced launch issues including poor reception and internal conflicts. He replaced the original president, David Allen, in February 2010, citing insubordination and actions against company interests, and assumed the role of president to oversee a as a title. Under Smart's direction, Quest Online completed the base game and developed its expansion pack, Rise of the Ourobani, while addressing criticisms such as asset allegations, though the MMO struggled with low player populations leading to infrequent updates. Alganon went offline in November 2017 due to insufficient server activity, with announcing halted plans for visual updates and at the time. In 2018, Smart's company 3000AD acquired the game's assets, and he has since made multiple public commitments to relaunch it, including promises in 2022 and 2023 that did not materialize. As of April 2024, Smart stated preparations for invite-only alpha testing later that year, followed by a public release in 2025, involving a full art asset overhaul, user database wipe, and compensation for legacy players based on prior inventory and in-game currency. Parallel to Alganon efforts, Smart announced Line of Defense in 2011 as a MMO shooter emphasizing planetary combat between opposing factions for base control, developed by 3000AD with plans for high production values. The project entered Steam but encountered backlash, including review bombing that prompted its removal from the platform in 2016 amid complaints over incomplete features and technical shortcomings. After a final major update in 2020 using the Havok engine, Smart revealed in April 2024 a full transitioning to 5, outsourcing to a third-party team for a 12-15 month rebuild of assets and , while offering former buyers a limited build for private servers.

Recent Projects and Business Activities

In recent years, Derek Smart has focused on reviving older projects through his company Quest Online, notably announcing plans to relaunch the Alganon with an alpha test in followed by a full release in 2025. The effort involves upgrading the game, which had been offline since 2017, to incorporate elements as part of a broader strategy to integrate features into fantasy MMORPGs. As of mid-2025, the relaunch remains in without a confirmed launch date beyond the initial projections. Parallel to the Alganon revival, Smart launched the ACE Platform in early 2025, a initiative described as a multi-blockchain hub for , , and . The platform aims to facilitate on-chain user interactions, analysis, and virtual town halls using patent-pending technology, positioning itself as a tool for audience retention in decentralized applications. Smart has promoted it as a response to perceived failures in Web3 gaming, emphasizing user-focused mechanics over speculative tokens, though it has drawn in due to its complexity and reliance on hype. Through his personal blog and , Smart has continued business activities centered on indie development advocacy and exploration, including writings on industry trends and self-published explainer documents for prospective partners. These efforts represent a shift from traditional game releases toward blockchain-integrated ventures, with no major new titles from 3000AD reported since updates to Line of Defense in the mid-2010s.

Key Games and Technical Contributions

Battlecruiser 3000AD and Sequels

Battlecruiser 3000AD (BC3K) was conceived by Derek Smart in the late as an ambitious space simulation game emphasizing a living where players command a as fleet . Development spanned nearly a decade, with the title first previewed in industry publications in 1992. published the game in October 1996 despite Smart's objections that it remained incomplete, resulting in a launch marred by severe technical instability. Core gameplay positioned players in command of a equipped with fighters, shuttles, mining drones, and all-terrain vehicles for manual control in space and planetary environments. The integrated elements of , crew oversight, trading, ground assaults via marines, and dynamic events in a procedurally generated spanning multiple systems. Modes included free-flight exploration for learning interfaces, scripted missions, and a campaign blending , , and without rigid linearity. Initial reception was overwhelmingly negative due to pervasive bugs, including crashes during large-scale battles, unresponsive controls, and unpolished , which rendered much of the promised depth inaccessible. Contemporary reviews highlighted the game's failure to deliver on its hype despite innovative concepts like crew autonomy and planetary invasions, with one scoring it 2.6 out of 10 for instability overshadowing ambition. The flawed launch fueled disputes, including Smart's legal against Take-Two for premature release. Smart independently issued patches post-launch, culminating in a "final completed version" distributed freely online in late 1997 and a v2.0 update published by in 1998, which addressed some stability issues and expanded features like improved 3D interiors. Smart self-developed and published the direct sequel, Battlecruiser Millennium, from 1998 to 2001 as a refined iteration retaining the series' focus while introducing enhanced planetary landings and mission variety. Released on December 1, 2001, it featured a rebooted around interstellar conflict and player-driven objectives in a persistent universe. Millennium received mixed reviews for its sprawling scope and free-form gameplay, praised for depth in ship command and exploration but criticized for opaque controls and lack of structured progression, yielding aggregate scores around 68% on . A Gold Edition followed with additional content, though persistent complexity limited mainstream appeal.

Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War

Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War, released on October 28, 1998, for Microsoft Windows, is a combat simulation video game developed by Volition, Inc. and published by Interplay Productions. The game features six-degrees-of-freedom gameplay, a campaign involving interstellar war between human Vasudans and alien Vasudans against the Shivans, and multiplayer modes supporting up to 16 players. Derek Smart, founder of 3000AD, Inc., had no technical or developmental contributions to the original game. In July 2004, amid Interplay's financial difficulties and asset sales, Smart publicly expressed interest in bidding for the FreeSpace intellectual property to develop FreeSpace 3 as a sequel to the series. He posted on forums indicating negotiations with Interplay, aiming to expand on the established universe with advanced simulation elements akin to his Battlecruiser series. However, by late July 2004, Smart abandoned the pursuit, stating he could not commit to continuing an existing franchise and prioritizing his own projects instead. He never acquired the license, which faced community backlash due to Smart's reputation from prior development delays in his games. Smart later reflected on the episode in a 2007 interview, attributing the withdrawal partly to online controversy and threats of legal action against fan projects like those by Hard Light Productions, which maintain the series' source code. The FreeSpace IP rights were eventually sold to Interplay in 2013 for $7,500, with no further official sequels produced under Smart's involvement. This brief episode highlighted Smart's pattern of exploring licensed space simulation properties but underscored his focus on original titles amid skepticism from gaming communities.

Line of Defense and Tactical Commanders

Line of Defense is a developed by 3000AD, a studio founded and led by Derek Smart, with principal development beginning in 2010 as an evolution of his earlier space simulation concepts from the series. The game emphasizes large-scale tactical engagements, supporting up to 256 players across expansive planetary and lunar maps divided into space regions, where objectives involve capturing and holding themed bases through coordinated, multi-day operations rather than short matches. Key features include destructible environments, controllable vehicles and structures, and a streamlined command system limited to 16 intuitive actions to prioritize skill-based team play over grinding mechanics like resource harvesting. Players can also establish persistent custom bases on uninhabited worlds, fostering long-term strategic depth in a persistent simulating interstellar conflict. Derek Smart served as lead designer, integrating elements of tactical command such as coordination and , which allow to act as operational commanders directing units in battles. This approach draws from Smart's prior work on simulation-heavy titles, aiming for hardcore appeal through emphasis on player agency in prolonged sieges—such as securing all eight units of a , a process designed to span 7-10 days of collective effort—while avoiding simplified "" tropes prevalent in contemporary MMOFPS games. Initially announced as a title targeting a 2012 release, the project entered Steam in July 2014 to fund further iteration, though it faced delays and eventual withdrawal from the platform amid technical challenges. A related spin-off, Line of Defense Tactics: Tactical Advantage, released on on March 17, 2014, narrows focus to turn-based tactical commanding of marine squads in ground-based missions, complementing the core game's broader scope with mechanics for unit deployment, cover utilization, and objective clearance. 's contributions here extend to procedural mission generation and AI behaviors that simulate realistic squad tactics, building on the franchise's legacy of integrated space-to-ground transitions. As of April 2024, the main Line of Defense title remains in active development, with directing a full rebuild on 5 from original design documents—reportedly over 95% complete in core systems and 100% in content—projected for finalization within 12-15 months, including provisions for buyers to host private servers using internal builds. This ongoing effort underscores 's persistence in refining persistent multiplayer simulations amid evolving engine technologies.

Alganon MMO

Alganon is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Quest Online LLC, featuring a class-based system with races such as humans, elves, and orcs, set in a mythological world inspired by ancient lore. The game launched via a soft release event on December 1, 2009, initially as a subscription-based title with standard MMO mechanics including questing, PvP, and crafting. Preceding the full launch, beta testing occurred in late 2009, emphasizing familiar MMORPG systems blended with new intellectual property. Derek Smart joined Quest Online as an investor, partner, and project team lead in early following a company , shortly after being hired as a on December 3, 2009, to boost market visibility at the direction of investors. In this capacity, Smart oversaw post-launch development through his involvement with Quest Online, focusing on content completion, server stability, and transitioning the game to a model by 2017. Under his leadership, the team advanced to designing the game's "third generation," incorporating updates to gameplay systems and preparing the first . The expansion, Rise of the Ourobani, was announced on June 7, 2011, introducing new content such as zones, quests, and features planned for release by the end of that year, though it faced typical delays associated with expansions. Smart's efforts emphasized technical enhancements for player retention, including migration to new servers during operational challenges, but struggled with low player numbers and recurrent downtime. Servers shut down on November 13, 2017, after which Smart repeatedly announced revival plans, including Steam community updates in 2021 promising ongoing work, further commitments in 2022, and a 2025 relaunch targeting alpha testing in 2024 followed by full release. Smart's contributions to Alganon centered on managerial and strategic oversight rather than core engine development, leveraging his experience from prior projects to guide completion amid financial and operational hurdles, though the game's turbulent history included multiple unfulfilled return promises and criticism for underdelivering on promised features.

Controversies

Development Delays and Quality Issues in Early Works

Derek Smart's debut major project, , began development around 1986 and was conceived as an ambitious space simulation game incorporating , , and crew simulation elements. The title faced protracted development, spanning nearly a , with an initial demo showcased in 1992 amid shifting publishers including Three-Sixty, , Mission Studios, Intracorp, and eventually . Multiple promised release windows, such as Christmas 1995 and early 1996, were missed, fueling pre-release hype through extensive advertising campaigns that included empty promotional boxes in stores and placements on lists like GameSpot's "Vaporware Hall of Shame." The game launched in October 1996 against Smart's objections, as Take-Two prioritized a holiday shipping deadline over completeness, resulting in an unfinished beta version described as virtually unplayable due to pervasive bugs, incomplete features, and technical instability. Retail return rates reached 70-90%, reflecting widespread customer dissatisfaction with the product's quality at launch. Smart publicly attributed these shortcomings to the publisher's premature release, engaging in disputes that escalated to legal action, after which he regained rights in January 1998 and oversaw subsequent patches. Post-release efforts included fan-assisted fixes and official updates, culminating in a completed version released for free online in 1998, followed by a v2.0 re-release through Interplay Productions in December 1998 and v2.08 in Europe in October 1999 via GT Interactive. These iterations addressed core deficiencies, but the initial rollout underscored challenges in balancing innovative scope with timely, polished delivery in Smart's early independent development phase.

Star Citizen Public Dispute

In July 2015, Derek Smart, a game developer and early backer via a $250 pledge from 2012, publicly questioned the project's viability, stating that the game "as has been pitched, will never get made" due to insurmountable technical hurdles, scope expansion beyond initial promises, and inadequate management of crowdfunded resources totaling over $85 million by that point. Smart, drawing from his experience with space simulation games like , argued that Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) lacked the expertise to deliver a persistent multiplayer universe integrated with a single-player campaign, citing and unproven engine capabilities as causal factors in perpetual delays. On July 14, 2015, Smart escalated by demanding an investigation into CIG's finances and issuing seven specific requests to founder Chris Roberts, including full disclosure of expenditures, independent audits, and a revision to align with original goals. CIG responded by issuing Smart an unsolicited refund of his pledge, citing his use of the project as a platform to promote his own game, Line of Defense, which they viewed as disruptive to community trust. Smart refused the refund, contending it was an attempt to silence criticism and strip him of standing to advocate for other backers potentially misled by evolving promises. By August 21, 2015, Smart's attorneys at De La Peña & Holiday LLP delivered a formal to CIG, reiterating calls for third-party audits of crowdfunded funds and threatening class-action considerations if unmet, while emphasizing backer rights under laws. The letter highlighted discrepancies between pledged deliverables—like a $2.1 million single-player —and ongoing alpha builds that deviated into unpromised multiplayer persistence without refunds or scope resets. Media coverage, including Polygon's investigative piece, amplified these concerns by detailing the letter's push for financial transparency amid reports of internal disarray. Chris Roberts addressed the criticisms sparingly, maintaining in a July 21, 2015, interview that development was progressing iteratively with backer input justifying expansions, while dismissing detractors like Smart as overlooking the complexities of ambitious crowdfunding. In October 2015, Roberts publicly rejected Smart-influenced articles as "long troll pieces," vowing to avoid "internet drama" but defending CIG's transparency through regular updates and conventions. The dispute provoked strong community opposition, with a petition garnering thousands of signatures declaring Smart did not represent backers and urging him to cease actions perceived as harmful to funding momentum. No FTC probe or lawsuit from Smart materialized, as the refund nullified his direct claimant status, though it spurred individual backer refund requests and broader scrutiny of risks. Smart persisted with commentary, including a 2016 blog on refund policies, framing the episode as evidence of systemic issues in unaccountable development.

Responses to Critics and Legal Actions

Smart has frequently responded to criticisms of his games with lengthy online rebuttals, forum bans for detractors, and vague legal threats against reviewers. In 2014, following a negative review of one of his titles, he banned the reviewer from his development forum, flagged the content as abusive, and implied potential legal repercussions without specifying actions. He has similarly withdrawn games like Line of Defense from platforms such as Steam in reaction to coordinated negative reviews, framing such backlash as unfair targeting rather than legitimate feedback. During the 2015 public dispute over Star Citizen, Smart escalated his criticisms through open letters and blog posts, prompting Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) to refund his $250 pledge, which he interpreted as an attempt to revoke his standing as a backer. In response, he demanded a apology from CIG or threatened a lawsuit, accusing the company of libeling him by implying his motives were solely disruptive. Later that year, Smart enlisted a legal team to send a to CIG, insisting on a of crowdfunded finances and threatening a class-action on behalf of backers if unmet; however, no such suit was ultimately filed, as the refund eliminated his personal standing. In the context of Alganon, Smart faced legal action from former producer David Allen, who filed a civil suit in Maricopa County in alleging over Smart's public comments on Allen's dismissal from Quest Online. Smart publicly countered the claims as baseless, defending his statements as factual critiques of development issues, while Quest Online countersued Allen on related grounds including system lockouts. The disputes settled out of court without admission of wrongdoing by either side.

Claims of Academic Credentials and Business Practices

Derek Smart has publicly claimed to hold a in , often signing professional communications and online posts with the credential "Ph.D." to assert expertise in technical fields like . However, no verifiable record of a dissertation by Derek Smart appears in academic databases or published listings, which typically catalog such works from accredited institutions. Critics, including industry observers, have noted inconsistencies in Smart's descriptions of the awarding institution, referencing entities like "L.I.T." (possibly London Institute of Technology) or ACCIS, neither of which aligns with accredited U.S. or U.K. polytechnics offering doctorates during the claimed period of the early . Smart has responded defensively to inquiries about the degree, dismissing questioners without providing documentation, such as telling a medical doctor inquiring about it to focus on their own "." These lapses have fueled allegations of academic fraud among gaming community members and participants since the late , though Smart has not retracted the claim and continues to reference advanced technical knowledge in his professional biography. Regarding business practices, Smart positions 3000AD, Inc.—founded by him in 1992—as a pioneering studio emphasizing innovative and self-funded development to maintain creative control. Yet, his operational approach has drawn scrutiny for reliance on aggressive tactics, including frequent threats of litigation against publishers, reviewers, and online critics perceived as undermining his projects. In 2004, Smart lost a court battle against , the publisher of Universal Combat, after attempting to block their release of the title amid contractual disputes over quality and rights. Similar patterns emerged in other dealings, such as 3000AD's involvement as a in the 2011 Allen v. Quest Online, LLC lawsuit, where claims centered on business operations tied to game development partnerships. Smart has also enlisted legal firms for high-profile actions, including a 2015 threat of class-action suits related to practices in the industry, though these rarely progressed to formal resolution. Detractors argue this combative style, exemplified by banning commenters and issuing cease-and-desist warnings over negative feedback, prioritizes personal defense over collaborative industry norms, contributing to prolonged project timelines and strained publisher relationships. Despite these criticisms, Smart maintains that such measures protect and investor interests in an indie landscape dominated by larger entities.

Public Persona and Online Activities

Outspoken Commentary on Industry Trends

Derek Smart has critiqued the gaming industry's embrace of , particularly its tendency to enable overambitious projects that result in chronic delays and unfulfilled commitments to backers. In a July 2015 analysis of development practices, he emphasized that insufficient understanding of technical complexities and realistic timelines often dooms such ventures, urging greater accountability from studios handling public funds. He has highlighted as a recurring mode, where initial promises expand beyond manageable bounds, eroding trust and financial viability, as observed in multiple high-profile cases exceeding original delivery windows by years. Smart has also addressed distribution trends, praising Valve's shift to Steam Direct in April 2017, which eliminated the prior curation and lowered barriers for indie publishers by requiring only a $100 fee per submission. He described this as a democratizing force that expands opportunities for smaller developers, contrasting it with restrictive traditional models and fostering a more inclusive ecosystem for releases. In broader reflections on industry evolution, Smart has advocated for innovations addressing centralization issues, including explorations into decentralized technologies as a counter to publisher dominance, though he cautions against hype without substantive execution. His commentary consistently stresses first-hand experience in navigating development pitfalls, positioning realistic as essential for sustainable trends amid rising player expectations and funding influxes.

Interactions with Gaming Community and Media

Derek Smart maintains an online on his , dereksmart.com, where he and members discuss gaming topics, including his projects and industry critiques, with over 13,000 posts across 144 topics as of 2021. He frequently publishes entries addressing and disputes, such as a series of posts analyzing Star Citizen's development, which garnered tens of thousands of views and sparked debates on platforms like MMORPG.com s. His engagement with the broader gaming community has often been contentious, particularly during the 2015 Star Citizen controversy, where Smart's public calls for an FTC investigation into the project's finances led Cloud Imperium Games to refund his pledge and restrict his access, stating that his actions stressed staff and disrupted community interactions under their terms of service. Community responses varied, with some forums like Reddit portraying Smart as a persistent critic holding developers accountable, while others labeled his approach as disruptive or self-promotional. In media interactions, Smart has appeared in interviews and debates critiquing industry practices. In a 2012 Polygon feature, he reflected on past development challenges and his ambitions for Line of Defense, framing his career as one of perseverance amid criticism. He discussed Kickstarter risks and game design in a 2012 PC Gamer interview, emphasizing Line of Defense's tactical focus distinct from contemporaries. Smart participated in the 2014 Society of Professional Journalists' Airplay conference debate on GamerGate, defending gamer identity and artistic freedom in development. Podcasts, including Space Game Junkie in 2013 on his Battlecruiser series and a 2015 PC Invasion episode on Star Citizen's viability, featured his views on crowdfunding trust and project scaling. A 2024 YouTube interview revisited GamerGate, games journalism biases, and his indie history, attributing media narratives to institutional influences.

Reception and Legacy

Achievements and Innovations

Derek Smart founded 3000AD, Inc. in the early 1990s and developed the series, beginning with the 1996 release of the titular game, which introduced innovative elements such as a fully functional self-learning neural net engine for behaviors and a massively dynamic game world responsive to player actions in real-time. Primarily coded by Smart as a solo effort, encompassed planetary , fleet management, crew with individual needs and mortality, and multi-domain combat including space, atmospheric, and ground operations, marking an early attempt at integrated, persistent universe mechanics in space genres. Building on this foundation, Smart's Universal Combat series, launched in 2003, expanded these concepts by enabling seamless transitions across gameplay scales within a single title, allowing players to command capital ships, pilot fighters, engage in combat on procedurally generated planets, and manage ground forces without loading screens. The series, spanning multiple entries through 2009 including Universal Combat CE 2.0, incorporated player-created scenarios, tactical for autonomous unit behaviors, and a modular supporting both space and terrestrial environments, facilitating niche, high-complexity simulations produced by small teams. Over his career, Smart designed, developed, and published more than a dozen titles across owned intellectual properties, focusing on space and planetary combat simulations that emphasized and systemic interactions. Smart was among the early independent developers to adopt digital distribution platforms, releasing titles like the Universal Combat series on services such as starting in the mid-2000s, which helped sustain viability in an era dominated by physical retail. His work on free-to-play MMOs, including rebooting Alganon in 2010 with overhauls and expansion content like Rise of the Ourobani, demonstrated adaptations to evolving online gaming models, though these efforts prioritized backend stability and content updates over groundbreaking mechanics. These contributions underscore a commitment to ambitious, self-reliant development in simulation-heavy genres, influencing discussions on scope versus feasibility in design.

Criticisms and Broader Impact on Indie Development

Derek Smart's video games, particularly released in 1996, faced severe criticism for technical instability and unplayability, with reviewers describing it as one of the most bug-ridden releases in gaming history. The title suffered from a protracted development marked by and delays, contributing to its low critical scores, including a 2.6 out of 10 from . Similarly, Line of Defense (2015) drew accusations of being underdeveloped, with Steam user reviews overwhelmingly negative (122 negative versus 21 positive as of April 2016) and complaints of it resembling a non-alpha build unfit for . Smart responded to such feedback by banning critical users and threatening to withdraw the game from , actions that amplified perceptions of defensiveness toward legitimate quality concerns. Critics have highlighted in Smart's public condemnations of development delays in projects like , noting his own titles, such as Line of Defense, endured multi-year delays with minimal communication to backers or players. Smart's business practices have also invited scrutiny, including allegations of aggressive online interactions, such as vague legal threats against reviewers and doxxing detractors, leading to permanent bans from forums and communities. These behaviors, documented across discussions since the late , have painted him as a polarizing figure whose personal vendettas overshadow substantive critique. While Smart positions himself as an advocate for transparency in game development, detractors argue his track record—evidenced by consistently poor review aggregates like 47% for Line of Defense Tactics on —undermines his authority, portraying him as emblematic of unchecked ambition in solo-led projects. In the context of indie development, Smart's career serves as a cautionary tale of the perils facing small-scale studios pursuing expansive visions without adequate resources or oversight. His persistent delays and scope expansions mirror pitfalls he lambasts in larger crowdfunded efforts, fostering skepticism toward self-proclaimed indie pioneers who fail to deliver. By amplifying debates on feature creep through high-profile disputes, Smart inadvertently highlighted systemic risks in indie crowdfunding, such as overpromising and underdelivering, though his credibility issues often relegated his insights to fringe discourse rather than constructive industry reform. This polarization extended to community toxicity, with Smart reporting death threats tied to his criticisms, underscoring how vocal indie advocacy can escalate into personal backlash without yielding broader positive shifts in development practices. Ultimately, while regarded by some as a quintessential early indie developer for pioneering ambitious space simulations, Smart's legacy emphasizes the necessity of rigorous project management over rhetoric, influencing perceptions that indie success demands humility and adaptability absent in his oeuvre.

References

  1. [1]
    About - 3000AD
    3000AD, Inc was formed in 1992 by videogame industry icon Derek Smart who started working on his first videogame in 1989. Today, we are one of the oldest ...Missing: founder | Show results with:founder
  2. [2]
    https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/946581/0000891554-98-000123.txt
  3. [3]
    The redemption of Derek Smart - Polygon
    Mar 21, 2012 · Derek Smart has been making games for over 20 years. He sold his first games in plastic baggies at hobby stores. Yet his longevity is somewhat ...
  4. [4]
    Line of Defense explained by Derek Smart: "It's not the game ...
    Mar 9, 2012 · Derek Smart, president and lead developer of 3000AD, has a lot of ambitious ideas swirling around in his head. He talked almost continuously for 45 minutes ...
  5. [5]
    Derek K. Smart - MobyGames
    Derek Smart Interview by CanadianGamer, Dec. 28, 2002; Company Website Derek Smart is the owner and lead developer at 3000AD, located in Aventura, Florida, USA ...Missing: founder | Show results with:founder
  6. [6]
    About - Smart Speak
    Derek Smart first appeared in the gaming industry in 1992 when Computer Games & Strategy Plus previewed his first game, Battlecruiser 3000AD (a.k.a BC3K), ...
  7. [7]
    Battlecruiser 3000AD
    In October 1996, almost 10 years in development, years of hype and anticipation, BATTLECRUISER 3000AD (BC3K) was released worldwide and incomplete by its ...
  8. [8]
    3000AD, Inc. - MobyGames
    3000AD, Inc. is an independent game development company founded in 1992 by industry veteran Derek Smart. The company became famous through the long-running ...
  9. [9]
    http://www.3000ad.com/press/92-05-18_CGS_Preview_of_BC3K.jpg
  10. [10]
    https://www.gamespot.com/articles/smart-take-two-settle-differences/1100-2465926/
  11. [11]
    Battlecruiser Millennium - 3000AD
    Release Date. November 2001. Patches. changelog. Comments are closed. Closed Beta Test. LOD Line Of Defense Website. Early Access. LOD Universal Combat Website ...
  12. [12]
    Battlecruiser Millennium (2001) - MobyGames
    Sep 12, 2009 · Battlecruiser Millennium ; Released: November 2001 on Windows ; Credits: Contribute ; Publishers. 3000AD, Inc. ; Developers. 3000AD, Inc.
  13. [13]
    Battlecruiser Millennium: Gold Edition – Release Details - GameFAQs
    Platform: PC ; Genre: Simulation » Space » Combat ; Developer: 3000AD, Inc. ; Publisher: DreamCatcher Interactive ; Release: April 4, 2003.
  14. [14]
    Battlecruiser Millennium Review - GameSpot
    Rating 6/10 · Review by Scott OsborneMay 17, 2006 · A lightning rod among gamers, Smart loudly boasted about his first game, Battlecruiser 3000AD, during its protracted development. After an ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  15. [15]
    Derek Smart After Freespace License? - IGN
    Word over on the AVault boards is that our good friend Derek Smart is considering buying the rights to develop Freespace 3 from Interplay.
  16. [16]
    Derek Smart's Freespace 3? | Shacknews
    The Adrenaline Vault forums have a post by 3000AD's Derek Smart, who reveals he's looking into acquiring the Freespace franchise from Interplay. "Discuss.
  17. [17]
    Derek Smart Lusting Rights To Freespace? - Slashdot
    Jul 16, 2004 · Derek Smart. Is there ANYONE who takes this guy seriously anymore? He's lied about having a PhD, he launches constant empty threats to sue ...
  18. [18]
    https://www.allgames.com/radio.asp?show=agi&ep=405
  19. [19]
    Quest Online sacks president, admits MMO "should never have ...
    Mar 16, 2010 · Quest Online sacks president, admits MMO "should never have launched". Company brings in Derek Smart to overhaul business and RPG. Matt Martin ...Missing: acquisition | Show results with:acquisition
  20. [20]
    Derek Smart: big changes in store for Alganon - Engadget
    Mar 12, 2010 · I fired him back in February for insubordination and for acting against the best interests of the company, the LLC investors (who I represent), ...Missing: acquisition | Show results with:acquisition
  21. [21]
    After nearly a decade, MMO Alganon shuts down servers
    Update Quest Online's MMO Alganon has been offline since November of 2017, and is currently inaccessible from the Steam store page.
  22. [22]
    Derek Smart's Alganon is planning a 2025 relaunch following alpha ...
    Apr 4, 2024 · Smart says it's preparing an alpha now for a 2025 launch. “We are working diligently to finally bring Alganon back online in the coming months.
  23. [23]
    Derek Smart Talks Line Of Defense, Alganon | Rock Paper Shotgun
    Feb 2, 2011 · The man who made a career out of complex space-sims and controversy is moving on. Derek Smart is now president of Quest Online, ...
  24. [24]
    MMO shooter Line of Defense confirms a switch to UE5, lets former ...
    Apr 26, 2024 · Once the UE5 upgrade is done, Smart plans to hand over the version to previous buyers of the game. He also has put together an internal build ...
  25. [25]
    AIP-316: Fantasy MMORPG Game - Powered Exclusively By ApeCoin
    Aug 2, 2023 · Derek Smart, the President and CTO of 3000AD, Inc, is a videogame industry legend who has been in the industry for over three decades.
  26. [26]
    Did Kickstarting MMOs End Up Doing Anything Good for the Genre?
    Aug 14, 2025 · Crowfall, for example, went offline in 2022 with a promise to be return… but I suspect we'll see Derek Smart bring back Alganon before that ...Missing: relaunch | Show results with:relaunch
  27. [27]
    [PDF] ACE Platform Explainer - Wide Span Ventures
    ACE Platform integrates patent-pending technology driving web3 knowledge & social graph analysis. • Designed to be a powerhouse for onchain user.
  28. [28]
    Derek Smart Says to Chris Roberts 'Hold My Beer' - Games
    Apr 25, 2025 · The ACE platform is the latest creation from Derek Smart, a well-known indie gaming industry veteran who has been designing and developing video ...Page 3 - GamesPage 2 - GamesMore results from forum.quartertothree.com
  29. [29]
    Smart Speak
    Derek Smart Profile – The MADE ... At this year's Game Developer Conference, the Museum Of Art & Digital Entertainment had profiles of some old school game devs ...Missing: founder | Show results with:founder<|separator|>
  30. [30]
    3000AD
    Sep 17, 2021 · The Lyrius Conflict. Extensive visual update to the most advanced space & planetary capital ship combat simulation.Missing: activities | Show results with:activities
  31. [31]
    Battlecruiser 3000AD – The Legacy - Smart Speak
    Dec 7, 2015 · I designed and started to develop that first game, Battlecruiser 3000AD (aka BC3K), back in the late eighties. You all know the history ...
  32. [32]
    The worst launches in PC gaming history - PC Gamer
    Sep 3, 2024 · Derek Smart's Battlecruiser 3000 AD was an ambitious space sim in development for much of the 1990s, hopping from publisher to publisher before ...
  33. [33]
    Battlecruiser 3000AD v2
    Command and control a military Battlecruiser complete with manual flight control of 4 fighters, 4 shuttlecrafts, 4 all terrain vehicles in space and over ...
  34. [34]
    Battlecruiser 3000 A.D. Review - GameSpot
    Rating 2.6/10 · Review by Tim McDonaldDec 17, 1996 · A realistic, dynamic game universe where you could roam at will in a large ship, finding adventure, managing a complex crew, conducting ground warfare, and ...
  35. [35]
    Battlecruiser 3000AD – Gameplay - Tim Howgego - WordPress.com
    Battlecruiser 3000AD – Gameplay · 4.1 Flight · 4.2 Space Operations · 4.3 Crew and Support Craft · 4.4 Cargo and Trade · 4.5 Planetary Operations · 4.6 Other.
  36. [36]
    SFE: Battlecruiser 3000 AD - SF Encyclopedia
    Apr 2, 2015 · Smart continued development and Battlecruiser 3000 AD v2.0 was released in 1998 by Interplay Entertainment. This version, while much ...Missing: history | Show results with:history<|separator|>
  37. [37]
    Battlecruiser Millennium - release date, videos, screenshots, reviews ...
    Jan 9, 2019 · Battlecruiser Millennium is an action, shooter, strategy and simulation game developed by 3000AD. It came out on 01-12-2001.
  38. [38]
    Battlecruiser Millennium Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 68% (9) PC. Initial Release Date: Nov 18, 2001. Developer: 3000AD, Inc.
  39. [39]
    FreeSpace IP bought by Interplay for $7,500 | Shacknews
    Jun 7, 2013 · Interplay published the original Descent: FreeSpace - The Great War ... Derek Smart involved?? I demand a recount!.....or something ...
  40. [40]
    Derek Smart - FreeSpace Wiki
    Jul 13, 2011 · Derek Smart is an independent game developer and member of the IGDA (International Game Developers Association) from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. ...
  41. [41]
    Derek Smart talks FreeSpace - Obsolete Gamer
    Derek Smart tells us about his attempt to purchase the rights to Decent FreeSpace. Views: 859. Post Views: 865.
  42. [42]
    Derek Smart talks FreeSpace - YouTube
    Oct 26, 2015 · From out interview with video game developer Derek Smart he tells us about his attempt to purchase the rights to Decent FreeSpace.Missing: Descent | Show results with:Descent
  43. [43]
    Line Of Defense vs Star Citizen - Smart Speak
    Aug 22, 2015 · They are different style games that share a common genre, have different production values, budget, teams and fan base etc. Comparison is futile.
  44. [44]
    E3 2012 Preview | MMORPG.com
    Jun 22, 2012 · Line of Defense is an MMOFPS (or TPS, if you like) featuring vast maps (for up to 256 players) dotted with controllable (and destructible!)
  45. [45]
    Derek Smart justifies Line of Defense's early access fee, new ...
    Jun 16, 2014 · 3000AD announced last week that its MMOFPS Line of Defense will arrive on Steam's early access platform in July, sporting a hefty $99 buy-in ...
  46. [46]
    Line Of Defense Tactics - Tactical Advantage on Steam
    Developer. 3000AD ; Publisher. 3000AD ; Released. Mar 17, 2014 ; OS *: Windows 7 SP1 ; Processor: Dual Core
  47. [47]
    Alganon Review - MMOs.com
    Rating 1.9 (22) Alganon shut down on November 13, 2017. Alganon Key Features: Striking World - Explore a large colorful world with fantastic eye-catching architecture. Multiple ...
  48. [48]
    Alganon - MMORPG.com
    Alganon is a free-to-play fantasy MMORPG from Quest Online, featuring ... Release Date: 12/01/09 (09/30/2017). Distribution: Business Model: Platforms ...
  49. [49]
    Alganon MMO Game Soft Launch Release Event Announced - IGN
    Dec 2, 2009 · Featuring new and fresh IP, features, state of the art gameplay and technology mixed with the familiar systems established by MMOGs over the ...
  50. [50]
    About - Quest Online
    In early 2010 after a restructuring of the company, video game industry veteran Derek Smart was brought on board as an investor, partner, and Alganon team lead.Missing: acquisition | Show results with:acquisition
  51. [51]
    Alganon: David Allen Responds - MMORPG.com Forums
    Jan 11, 2018 · In an effort to enhance Alganon's® market visibility and following the direction of certain investors, QOL hired Derek Smart as a consultant on December 3, 2009 ...Alganon, old-skool WoW--try it! - MMORPG.com ForumsA New Look For the "New" Alganon - MMORPG.com ForumsMore results from forums.mmorpg.comMissing: acquisition | Show results with:acquisition<|control11|><|separator|>
  52. [52]
    Massively interviews Alganon's Derek Smart - Engadget
    Mar 22, 2010 · Derek Smart: I have been involved with the company and the game since 2009. ... My very first game was released by Take Two (then under the ...<|separator|>
  53. [53]
    Alganon announces expansion - MMOHuts
    Jun 7, 2011 · Alganon has announced its first expansion, Rise of the Ourobani. The expansion is set to release by the end of the year.<|control11|><|separator|>
  54. [54]
    Free MMO Alganon -- Run By Derek Smart's 3000AD - MMOBomb
    Jan 30, 2018 · According to Gamasutra, Alganon has been offline since November, but a Jan. 16 post on the game's Steam discussion board by the developer says ...
  55. [55]
    Alganon Still Returning, Says Smart - MMO Fallout
    Apr 11, 2021 · Last month Derek Smart returned to the Steam forums to once again remind us that Alganon is definitely not dead in the water. I am working with ...Missing: projects | Show results with:projects
  56. [56]
    Whatever happened to Derek Smart's Alganon?
    Mar 14, 2022 · The most recent news is some chatter by Smart on Alganon's Steam community this month, in which he promised (yet again) to bring back the MMO.
  57. [57]
    Battlecruiser 3000AD – Introduction - Tim Howgego - WordPress.com
    BC3K was primarily developed by Derek Smart and his company, 3000AD Inc., based in Florida, United States. Various other people and organisations have had an ...
  58. [58]
    Star Citizen – Interstellar Discourse - Smart Speak
    Jul 10, 2015 · Most who don't understand how the industry works, the technical challenges etc, were quick to discount this as just another Derek Smart rant, or ...
  59. [59]
    Derek Smart calls for FTC investigation of Star Citizen's finances ...
    Jul 14, 2015 · We refunded Mr. Smart's package because he was using Star Citizen as a platform to gain attention as part of a campaign to promote his 'Line of ...Missing: ventures | Show results with:ventures
  60. [60]
    Here's what's going on with Derek Smart and Star Citizen - PC Gamer
    Jul 14, 2015 · Smart was issued an unsolicited refund after calling for an FTC investigation into Star Citizen crowdfunding.
  61. [61]
    Derek Smart is refusing to take his refunded $250 Star Citizen ...
    Jul 17, 2015 · Smart was an early backer during the Kickstarter campaign, pledging $250 to the project. Writing on his blog, Smart advised backers to get in ...
  62. [62]
    [PDF] DE LA PEÑA & HOLIDAY LLP - Smart Speak
    Re: Derek Smart, Star Citizen and Crowd Funding Campaign. Dear Mr. Roberts, et al: I write on behalf of Mr. Derek Smart, who has been authorized to speak on ...
  63. [63]
    What the hell is going on with Star Citizen? - Polygon
    Aug 31, 2015 · Last week, Derek Smart sent a lawyer's letter to Cloud Imperium demanding that the company allow auditors to examine how the crowd-funded money ...
  64. [64]
    Chris Roberts speaks out on Star Citizen complaints | PC Gamer
    Jul 21, 2015 · And of course he touched on complaints, headed by 3000AD founder Derek Smart, about the state of the game and its internal crowdfunding campaign ...
  65. [65]
    Star Citizen's Chris Roberts responds to publication's 'long troll ...
    Oct 1, 2015 · He writes, I have, to date, attempted to stay above the internet drama currently surrounding Derek Smart and his claims about Star Citizen.
  66. [66]
    Petition · Derek Smart does NOT represent the Star Citizen community!
    Aug 24, 2015 · Derek Smart - this petition demands that you immediately desist in your ongoing actions against "RSI" (CIG) and Star Citizen. We, the Star ...
  67. [67]
    Star Citizen – The Refund Debacle - Smart Speak
    Jul 15, 2016 · Despite the fact that the mainstream media have been aware for quite sometime that something wasn't quite right with this project, and that ...
  68. [68]
    Game Dev Derek Smart (Again) Responds To A Negative Review ...
    Feb 19, 2014 · Disappointed reviewers expressed their disappointment and Derek Smart (among many, many other things) expressed a desire to sue them.
  69. [69]
    Derek Smart is pulling Line of Defense from Steam over review ...
    Apr 11, 2016 · “My reasons for moving the game are very simple. I am tired of the noise, the attacks, the harassment, the distractions here on Steam,” he ...
  70. [70]
    Derek Smart demands Star Citizen's Chris Roberts resign, fronts $1 ...
    Jul 17, 2015 · Derek Smart has returned once again to his blog to crusade against Star Citizen. He accuses Chris Roberts and company of libeling him.
  71. [71]
    Derek Smart threatens legal action against Cloud Imperium Games ...
    Aug 24, 2015 · Smart says he'll file a class action lawsuit if the terms of a letter sent by his lawyer are not met.
  72. [72]
    Smart Enlists Legal Team, Threatens Class-Action Lawsuit
    Aug 24, 2015 · In the latest salvo fired across the bow of the Roberts Space Industries ship, Derek Smart has hired the legal firm of De La Pena & Holiday ...
  73. [73]
    Derek Smart Responds To David Allen's Lawsuit Over Derek Smart's ...
    Derek Smart Responds To David Allen's Lawsuit Over Derek Smart's Comment Over David Allen's Firing. I am on a horse. Quest Online, developers of Alganon ...
  74. [74]
    Quest Online Fires Back: Countersues David Allen – MMO Fallout
    In the claim, QOL alleges pretty much what Derek Smart has been saying in the past: That Allen locked QOL out of critical Alganon systems when he was fired, ...
  75. [75]
    Quest Online Lawsuit Ends in Settlement - Ten Ton Hammer
    The Alganon/Quest Online saga that has been raging for months between David Allen and Derek Smart has finally ended in a legal settlement.<|separator|>
  76. [76]
    Derek Smart's Credentials - Quarter To Three Forums
    Apr 1, 2003 · However, at about this same time, Derek responded to a medical doctor that had asked about his PhD. Derek said, “What's it to you? Still ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  77. [77]
    Proof of PhD Fraud, [BC3K] - Google Groups
    is a fraud. Derek has not earned a PhD at any accredited university. FACT 1: Derek Smart's PhD dissertation is not listed anywhere. All published PhD ...
  78. [78]
    Derek Smart's Credentials - Page 3 - Everything else - Quarter To ...
    I warn you that in private emails in the past Derek has told people that his school was LIT and on other occasions ACCIS. LIT doesn't even exist as a ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  79. [79]
    Derek Smart, Computer Software
    Derek Smart's Bio:​​ Derek Smart has been designing and developing video games since the early eighties. After getting a publishing offer for his first game, he ...
  80. [80]
    Smart Loses Court Battle - IGN
    Feb 4, 2004 · Derek Smart, Supreme Commander of 3000D, has lost his court battle to prevent Universal Combat publishers, Dreamcatcher Interactive ...Missing: 3000AD | Show results with:3000AD
  81. [81]
    ALLEN v. QUEST ONLINE, LLC (D.Ariz. 9-22-2011) | Judgment | Law
    Pending before the Court are the following motions: (1) a Motion to Dismiss filed by Defendants Quest Online, LLC ("QOL"), 3000AD, Inc. ("3000AD"), and Derek ...
  82. [82]
    Smart Enlists Legal Team, Threatens Class-Action Lawsuit
    Aug 24, 2015 · ... Derek Smart has hired the legal firm of De La Pena & Holiday LLP that has sent a letter demanding, among other things, immediate refunds to ...
  83. [83]
    Star Citizen – The Fidelity Of Failure - Smart Speak
    Jun 22, 2016 · Having raised $114 million, missed the game's original ship date, blown past the 18 month ToS period, dealing with growing backer unrest, ...
  84. [84]
    Valve takes Steam in a new direction - Smart Speak
    Jun 7, 2017 · And for that, I continue to salute Valve in its continued efforts to democratize gaming ... Copyright Derek Smart 1996-2020. About · Account ...Missing: issues | Show results with:issues
  85. [85]
    Smart Community - Index - Smart Speak
    Forum Stats. 13255 Posts in 144 Topics by 401 Members. Latest Post: "GAME OVER, MAN!" ( June 30, 2021, 09:41:43 AM ) View the most recent posts on the forum.
  86. [86]
    https://dereksmart.com/2015/07/star-citizen-blogs/
  87. [87]
    [UPDATED] Derek Smart: "Star Citizen as has been pitched, will ...
    Jul 6, 2025 · A lot of you might call Derek Smart a cancer to the gaming industry and maybe he is. He was even quoted as stating he likes to stir shit up ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  88. [88]
    Star Citizen community director says game would not be possible ...
    Jul 16, 2015 · He was there to discuss the game in detail with fans, but also to address criticism of the project's progress and the controversial issue of ...
  89. [89]
    Derek Smart apparently wants to do something? (continued ... - Reddit
    Jul 7, 2015 · I had a conversation with him on Facebook not realizing who he was. It was painful. The crux of his argument for a lawsuit against CIG is that ...Derek Smart, can you believe this guy? (2nd Article Excerpts) - RedditWho is Derek Smart and why is he so mad at this Star Citizen game?More results from www.reddit.com
  90. [90]
    Should We Question RSI & Star Citizen? Derek Smart Thinks So
    Jul 13, 2015 · Derek Smart has taken to his personal blog and launched a long piece about Star Citizen, how it has taken vast sums of money from backers who ...
  91. [91]
    SGJ Podcast #31: Derek Freaking Smart - Space Game Junkie
    This week, Jim and I sit down with Derek to discuss the history of the series, as well as his upcoming game, Line of Defense. It's an enlightening discussion, ...
  92. [92]
    PC Invasion Podcast #6 Star Citizen Special with Derek Smart 4
    Nov 19, 2015 · Star Citizen: will it, and can it, ever be made in the form envisaged by Chris Roberts? Derek Smart certainly doesn't think so, ...Missing: Descent | Show results with:Descent
  93. [93]
    Derek Smart talks GamerGate, Airplay, Game Dev & Artistic Freedom
    Jan 27, 2024 · #dereksmart #gamedev #gaming In the voice portion of my GamerGate book interview with Derek Smart, we discuss the gamer identity, ...
  94. [94]
    Battlecruiser 3000AD – 22 Years Ago - Smart Speak
    Oct 1, 2018 · Today, 22 years ago, after a very long, challenging, and arduous journey fraught with disappointment and betrayal, I became a part of videogame ...Missing: timeline delays
  95. [95]
    Derek Smart on Battlecruiser Generations & Beyond - GameSpy
    Apr 19, 2003 · Derek Smart isn't famous. It'd be more accurate to call him infamous. He's also misunderstood. Few game developers are as controversial, ...Missing: responses | Show results with:responses
  96. [96]
    Universal Combat - Wikipedia
    Development. edit. The project began as early as 2000 when Derek Smart announced that he had licensed Croteam's Serious Sam game engine for "Project ABC", for ...
  97. [97]
    Remove Derek Smart`s Line of Defense from Steam EA
    The game is playable and is a lot of fun. There is a lot of early access games on here that are way worse in quality. I remember Star Forge being for sale and ...Missing: issues | Show results with:issues
  98. [98]
    We've spoken with Star Citizen critic Derek Smart and Cloud ...
    Jul 14, 2015 · Derek Smart is trying to promote his own game where he had almost a 3 year delay with zero communication while trying to claim the moral high ...
  99. [99]
    Out of the loop: Why is Derek Smart so controversial? - Reddit
    May 21, 2020 · Also people tend to forget, that Derek tried to make games very similar to what SC tries to do (and Line Of Defense isn't what I mean), except ...Who is Derek Smart and why is he so mad at this Star Citizen game?Derek Smart apparently wants to do something? (continued ... - RedditMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: industry | Show results with:industry
  100. [100]
    dsmart's Techdirt Profile
    Re: Golden Oldie. on Game Dev Derek Smart (Again) Responds To A Negative Review By Making Vague Legal Threats And Banning Commenters. Get your facts right.
  101. [101]
    Line Of Defense Tactics Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 47% (6) It's classic Derek Smart - a good idea underbaked, with confusing controls (at least on PC) and a ridiculous 25 dollar price tag (WAY more than the android ...
  102. [102]
    Star Citizen defies wisdom by repeating an infamous name three times
    Jul 21, 2015 · Derek Smart accused Cloud Imperium Games of making false statements, reiterated his points against the game ever being finished, and called ...
  103. [103]
    What the hell is going on with Star Citizen? - Polygon
    Aug 31, 2015 · Legal Matter Last week, Derek Smart sent a lawyer's letter to Cloud Imperium demanding that the company allow auditors to examine how the crowd- ...Missing: outcome | Show results with:outcome
  104. [104]
    Derek Smart, Indie Devs, And Death Threats - MMO Fallout
    Sep 29, 2015 · Derek Smart, game developer and ex-Star Citizen pledge, posted via social media that he had received a death threat over his continued criticism ...