Funding History of Star Citizen
Star Citizen, the highly ambitious multiplayer space simulator, has reached a remarkable milestone in its ongoing development. As of August 25th, 2023, the game’s crowdsourcing funds have surpassed $600 million, with over 4.7 million backers contributing to its success. Although the official tally falls just short of $600 million, taking into account the average daily pledge amounts, Star Citizen has crossed this monumental threshold.
The Journey of Star Citizen
Star Citizen has undoubtedly faced numerous challenges throughout its 12-year development journey since its inception in 2011 and the launch of its fundraising campaign on Kickstarter in 2012. However, the game has continuously received extraordinary financial support from its devoted community. Renowned for their loyalty and deep pockets, Star Citizen’s backers have consistently funded the project through ship purchases, making it one of the most successful crowdfunded ventures of all time. Here is an overview of Star Citizen’s funding progress over time, with 2023 projected to be another record-breaking year:
Where is Squadron 42?
Squadron 42, the highly anticipated single-player campaign of Star Citizen, has generated much excitement and hope among fans since its announcement. However, as time goes on, concerns and frustrations are mounting due to the lack of progress. The current state of Squadron 42’s development is presented in the roadmap below:
The development journey of Squadron 42 has been a lengthy and winding one. Initially planned for release in 2014 during the Star Citizen Kickstarter campaign, the game has encountered several delays. Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) hinted at a potential beta release by the end of Q2 2020, but this date was further extended to an estimated Q3 2020. However, no substantial updates regarding the game’s release status have been communicated by the studio. The lack of clarity has left backers in the dark, with some speculating that Squadron 42 may still be years away from completion, even potentially being in beta.
In addition to the delays, backers have expressed frustration over the limited information surrounding Squadron 42, particularly considering its six-year lag behind the original delivery target. The game, envisioned as a cinematic, story-driven single-player adventure, boasts a star-studded cast including renowned actors such as Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, Gary Oldman, and Mark Strong. While captivating trailers featuring these Hollywood stars have been released, backers are still unable to play the game. Chris Roberts, the creator of Star Citizen, has provided various deadlines as seen below:
In response to concerns, Chris Roberts addressed the issue by stating that Squadron 42 will be released “when it is done,” emphasizing the studio’s commitment to delivering a polished and high-quality game, even if it means further delays. Roberts also acknowledged the studio’s shortcomings in updating the community about the game’s progress, citing the challenge of maintaining the secrecy surrounding the story and overall gaming experience.
Despite these explanations, the growing unease within the gaming community remains. The significant funding that Star Citizen has received has put the trust of its backers to the test. Meanwhile, a new funding milestone serves to heighten the anxiety surrounding the project.
The End is Nowhere in Sight
The journey of Star Citizen has been characterized by both triumphs and setbacks. However, the game’s financial achievements and the unwavering support of its community are evident. Only time will tell if Star Citizen can fulfill its grand vision and meet the immense expectations of its backers. With $600 million in funding, Star Citizen has become not only the most expensive video game ever developed but potentially the most expensive media property in history. The future of both Star Citizen and Squadron 42 remains uncertain, with no definite release date in sight for either title. As the gaming community eagerly waits for further developments, alternative space exploration games like Starfield are emerging as potential options to satiate their cosmic cravings.