Wing Commander Remake: Developer Releases Wing Leader Assets to Community

The original Wing Commander, first released in 1990, is widely regarded as a landmark in interactive storytelling and space combat gaming.

Developed by Chris Roberts and Origin Systems, its innovative blend of cinematic narrative and first-person dogfighting set a new standard for video game immersion.

More than three decades later, the Wing Commander legacy endures, with devoted fans and continued influence within the gaming industry. In recent years, game developer Howard Day has undertaken a passion project to reimagine this classic title for contemporary audiences.

Day has been working on 'Wing Leader,' a remake of the original Wing Commander built on the Unity engine.

The goal: to capture both the kinetic thrill and emotional storytelling that made the original so impactful, while updating visuals and systems for today’s PC platforms. Despite early momentum—with notable progress occurring between 2019 and 2021—the pace of development on Wing Leader has slowed.

Recognizing the demands of such a project and the value of the work completed so far, Day has opted for a community-driven approach.

In May 2024, he released the core assets of the Wing Leader remake on GitHub, hoping this would preserve the project and bolster collaborative involvement from the Wing Commander fanbase and open-source developers alike. As Day explained in a public statement, he made the decision to publish the project’s assets because he could not predict when he would be able to resume focused development: “I’ve chosen to make the project public.

This way, the work won’t be lost if I’m unable to continue—for anyone who wants to pick it up and move it forward, I fully encourage it.” This open release not only safeguards the preservation of the remake but also aligns with the spirit of community that has always surrounded Wing Commander.

Howard Day’s move allows programmers, artists, and enthusiasts to contribute directly to Wing Leader’s progress, ensuring that the project remains accessible and living, even as individual circumstances change. The original Wing Commander’s cultural and technological impact cannot be overstated.

The franchise spawned multiple sequels, spin-offs, and even a Hollywood adaptation, while Chris Roberts himself went on to lead the massively ambitious Star Citizen.

Bringing the series back for a new generation through a fan-driven project reflects both the enduring appeal of the Wing Commander universe and the passion of its community. Interested developers and fans can access the Wing Leader assets now on GitHub.

The hope is that, with collective input and dedication, Wing Commander’s legacy will be reintroduced to modern gamers through a polished and collaborative remake. For further updates and to participate in the project, visit Howard Day’s GitHub repository and join the conversation around this iconic series.

GitHub Wing Commander Howard Day Wing Leader Chris Roberts Star Citizen Unity engine