Second Conflict is a tick based space strategy game that was designed to place an emphasis on combat and tactical thinking. The game which began development in January 2003, gave players the role of governing their own interstellar civilisation with the objective of becoming the most powerful civilisation in the galaxy.

In order to meet that goal, the players would have to research new technologies, colonise other planets, form alliances, spy on opponents and wage wars. The game is played out on a 2D star map, which allowed players to move their battle-fleets into a position it intercept an incoming attacker, or to deploy space stations and minefields, to force the attackers to take a longer route.

Second Conflict contained a variety of special features that were designed to expand playing styles, such as player-created contracts to allow mercenaries. Another feature of Second Conflict is an actual storyline that would progress throughout the rounds and change depending on the actions of the players, allowing them to affect world events.

Most of the development of Second Conflict stopped in February 2004 due to lack of player enthusiasm, and the games steep learning curve. However in January 2007 work on Second Conflict was resumed. Most of the core code was removed and replaced with more efficient and more modular systems. The number and abilities of ships was increased, the star map was changed to be infinite in all directions and the way fleet orders were issued was made into a simple point and click system.