Star Citizen
Ambitious crowdfunded space simulation MMO by Cloud Imperium Games (Chris Roberts, Wing Commander creator) — largest crowdfunded video game ever ($700M+ raised since 2012). Massive online persistent universe with FPS + space combat + ship trading + exploration. Perpetual alpha since 2012+.
What is Star Citizen?
Star Citizen is an ambitious crowdfunded space simulation MMO in development by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) since 2011, led by Chris Roberts (creator of Wing Commander + Freelancer). Represents largest crowdfunded video game project ever — $700M+ raised from 5M+ backers over 13+ years. Vision: fully-realized persistent online universe with seamless space + planetary gameplay, first-person shooter combat, ship-to-ship space combat, trading, mining, exploration, and 100+ playable ships. Perpetual alpha since 2012 — no formal release date. Companion single-player title 'Squadron 42' also in development (also delayed). Controversial due to prolonged development + monetization via 'ship packages' ranging $30 to $1000+. Massive community of dedicated backers + significant vocal critics questioning delivery. Alpha 4.0 (Pyro star system, 2024) marked major content milestone. Ship + gameplay depth genuinely unprecedented despite development timeline.
Quick facts
Category
Video Games
Type
Individual
Players
1–100
Duration
~240 min
Where played
indoor
Country of origin
🇺🇸 United States
Estimated origin
Kickstarter campaign October 2012 by Chris Roberts; perpetual alpha development 2012+; 5M+ backers + $700M+ raised as of 2024
Olympic
No
Popularity
regional
How it works
Objective
Explore + trade + fight + mine + build reputation in persistent online universe.
Match structure
Persistent MMO; no defined match structure; player-driven activities.
Rules
Basic rules
Crowdfunded persistent MMO alpha
Not a finished game — perpetual alpha with ongoing content updates + rebuilds.
100+ playable ships
From starter Aurora ($20) to Idris capital ship ($1000+) — ship-based gameplay core.
Seamless space + planetary
Fly from planetary surface into space + across star systems without loading screens (mostly).
Multi-role gameplay
Space combat, FPS combat, trading, mining, exploration, salvage, medical, cargo hauling — deeply varied.
Advanced rules
Ship purchasing model (controversial)
Ships sold as 'concept sales' + 'jpegs' ($30-$1000+); no in-game way to acquire many ships beyond purchase.
Server meshing (planned)
Planned server architecture to enable thousands of concurrent players in shared universe (2024-2025+ development).
Ongoing wipe cycles
Alpha progress + purchases periodically wiped between major versions.
Squadron 42 companion (single-player)
Separate single-player campaign in development — also delayed extensively.
Scoring
Non-competitive typically; player-driven achievements + reputation + wealth.
Win condition · No formal win condition (sandbox MMO).
Equipment
PC (high-end)
PC-exclusive; demanding specs — 16GB+ RAM, modern GPU (RTX 3060+), fast SSD critical.
Flight stick (recommended)
HOTAS or dedicated flight controls enhance ship combat.
Backer account
Starter package ~$45 USD; ship upgrades additional purchases.
Positions & roles
Pilot
×1Ship pilot in space combat + travel.
Gunner (multi-crew ships)
×1Weapon operator on multi-seat ships.
Engineer (multi-crew ships)
×1Ship system operations + repair.
Ground marine (FPS)
×1First-person combat + boarding operations.
Officiating
MMO gameplay + automated systems.
- N/A
Penalties & fouls
Penalties
Terms of service violation
Account ban.
Strategies
Start with modest ship + progress
Don't spend big money on ships; earn in-game credits + upgrade progressively.
Multi-crew ship social play
Larger ships require crew — join organization for social gameplay.
Terminology
- CitizenCon
- Annual Star Citizen community convention.
- Squadron 42
- Star Citizen's single-player companion in development.
- aUEC
- Alpha United Earth Credits — in-game currency.
- Ship package
- Purchasable ships as backer rewards.
- Server meshing
- Planned server architecture for large-scale concurrent play.
Major competitions
CitizenCon (annual community convention)
annual (October) · US/UK rotating · since 2013
Community events in-game
seasonal · in-game · since 2015
Where it is played
Governing bodies
Cloud Imperium Games (developer)
Founded 2012 · Los Angeles, USA + Manchester UK + Frankfurt Germany + Austin Texas + Montreal Canada
Official site ↗
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Chris Roberts (USA, creator + CEO)
- Various community streamers + content creators (Bored Gamer, MorphologisArch)
Records
Largest crowdfunded video game ever
Star Citizen — $700M+ raised from 5M+ backers since 2012 Kickstarter — dwarfs all other crowdfunded games (2024)
Longest game development
Star Citizen — 13+ years in alpha (2012-present); one of longest video game development cycles in history (2024)
Expensive ships
CIG ship sales — Largest ships sold for $1000+ each; entire community fleets valued at hundreds of thousands per player (2024)
Learn this sport
beginner
- 1
Purchase starter package + free-fly events
Free-fly weeks periodically allow testing without commitment.
advanced
- 1
Join organization + multi-crew ship gameplay
Deep social + coordinated play.
Frequently asked
Is Star Citizen ever going to be released?+
Uncertain. Perpetual alpha since 2012; 13+ years in development. Chris Roberts has repeatedly delayed release dates. Alpha 4.0 (2024) with Pyro star system is major content milestone. Community divided — dedicated backers see continual progress; critics see indefinite development. No formal 1.0 release date announced.
How much money have people spent?+
$700M+ raised from 5M+ backers as of 2024. Individual player spend ranges $30 (starter) to $50,000+ (dedicated whales owning entire fleets of expensive ships). Most controversial aspect of Star Citizen model.
Is it worth buying now?+
Highly personal decision. If you enjoy space sims + accept alpha limitations + can afford $45+ starter package, worth trying. Do NOT expect finished game. Free-fly events periodically allow testing without commitment. Most positive backers see themselves as funding development, not buying finished product.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Star Citizen— Wikipedia