Star Citizen: Decade-Long Development in Focus
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Star Citizen: A Decade in Development, Coming into Focus

Updated: Sep 24, 2023

Star Citizen has been in development for over a decade. With Starfield finally released, will Star Citizen be left in the dust?


This post will detail the captivating world of Star Citizen! From its inception to the dedicated community that has been instrumental in its development, the expansive universe awaits. From its alpha stage development to its current state, we will explore every aspect of this exciting game. And not only that, we will also be discussing what the future holds for Star Citizen.


The Star Citizen logo overlaying a city from the game
Star Citizen

The Birth of Star Citizen

In 2012, Cloud Imperium Games launched its ambitious journey by starting the Star Citizen crowdfunding campaign. This venture soon captured the attention of gamers worldwide, as the Kickstarter campaign surpassed its initial funding goal within a matter of days. With its groundbreaking development approach, Star Citizen has been in the works for over a decade, captivating the gaming community with its sheer scope and innovation.


Led by industry veteran Chris Roberts, the development of Star Citizen has been nothing short of remarkable. The game's crowdfunding success provided the necessary resources and garnered significant attention from players and industry insiders. The passionate and dedicated team at Roberts Space Industries (RSI), the game's developer, set out to create an immersive and vast universe that would immerse gamers like never before.


As development progressed, Star Citizen unveiled many exciting features and gameplay elements. From space stations and different ships to capital ships and a dynamic law system, the game promised to deliver a gaming experience unlike anything seen before. The involvement of renowned actor Liam Cunningham further added to the anticipation surrounding the finished game.


With an ever-growing community of devoted gamers and the tireless efforts of the development team, Star Citizen continues to evolve. While the community has recently turned negative towards the game, the path forward is still exciting.


Call To Adventure Star Citizen Alpha 3.19
Call To Adventure

Origins and Kickstarter Campaign

The story of Star Citizen began with the ambitious dream of Chris Roberts to create an innovative space simulation game. The game quickly gained the attention of dedicated gamers, and the Kickstarter campaign was a pivotal moment in its development.


Thanks to the support of a passionate community, the campaign raised over $2 million. With different levels of pledges, backers were offered enticing rewards and perks, driving the project's momentum even further. The incredible success of the campaign demonstrated the high demand for a new and exciting space sim experience.


Star Citizen forged a deep connection between the developers and the community by allowing backers to actively contribute to the game's development. This collaborative approach ensured that players became more than just gamers; they became integral parts of a shared universe.


As the game continued to evolve, the team at Cloud Imperium Games worked tirelessly to bring their ambitious vision to life. The diverse range of ships, from nimble fighters to massive capital ships, added depth and variety to the gameplay.


Throughout the development process, Star Citizen garnered attention for its cutting-edge technology and adherence to the vision outlined by Chris Roberts. The development team's dedication and the gaming community's support set the stage for a truly immersive and expansive experience. With a wealth of content still on the horizon, the future of Star Citizen holds endless possibilities.



Is Star Citizen currently worth getting into? : r/starcitizen

Star Citizen has been in development for over a decade. Whether it is worth getting into depends on your tolerance for significant gameplay changes and possible glitches. Some players enjoy the early access experience and the constant updates, while others prefer to wait until the game is fully released.


When is the Star Citizen Release Date?

The release date for Star Citizen has not been officially announced yet. Different Alpha's have been released over the years. Still, the community continues to sour over the possibility this game never formally launches.



A character wakes up from bed in Star Citizen
Star Citizen Is Finally Waking Up

The Alpha Stage Development

The alpha stage development of Star Citizen kicked off with the launch of the Hangar Module. This module allowed players to delve into their virtual spaceships, giving them a taste of what was to come. Shortly after, the Arena Commander module was released, focusing on testing the game's space combat mechanics. Players could engage in thrilling dogfights, showcasing the intense gameplay that Star Citizen had to offer.


Following the success of Arena Commander, the Star Marine module was introduced, bringing first-person shooter elements into the mix. Gamers could now experience intense FPS gameplay within the vast universe of Star Citizen.


The alpha stage development served as a crucial phase for players to get a glimpse of the game's core mechanics. Through the Hangar Module, Arena Commander, and Star Marine, they could explore different ships, engage in thrilling dogfights, and experience intense first-person shooter action.


With each module release, Star Citizen continued to build excitement within its passionate and knowledgeable community. The Roberts Space Industries (RSI) developers worked tirelessly to create an immersive and captivating gaming experience. As players eagerly awaited the finished game, the alpha stage development gave them a tantalizing taste of what was coming.


Teasa Spaceport from Star Citizen
Teasa Spaceport

Hangar Module

The Hangar Module allowed players to experience an immersive virtual space where they could interact with their spaceships. It provided a detailed and customizable environment for players to explore. This module showcased the level of detail and immersion in Star Citizen's ship designs, giving players a taste of what the game's persistent universe had to offer.


The Hangar Module was not just a static display; it allowed players to prepare for future gameplay experiences by enabling them to customize their ships and get a feel for their capabilities. It was a crucial step in the development of Star Citizen, giving players a glimpse into the game's potential and the vision of Roberts Space Industries (RSI).


With different ships and their ton of variations, the Hangar Module gave players insight into the vast possibilities that awaited them in the finished game. It was a testament to the developers' dedication and the gaming community's passion.



Arena Commander

Arena Commander, a key module in the development of Star Citizen, introduced players to the thrilling dogfighting gameplay mechanics that define the game. In this module, players could engage in intense space battles against AI opponents and other players.


The various game modes and ship load-outs provided diverse combat experiences, allowing players to test different starships and refine their piloting skills. Arena Commander gave players a glimpse into the immersive and intense space combat that awaits them in the vast universe of Star Citizen.


At Ghost Hollow - PvP Event from Star Citizen
PvP Events

Star Marine

Star Marine, a module within the Star Citizen game, introduced players to exciting first-person shooter (FPS) gameplay mechanics. It allowed them to engage in intense battles on foot and in zero-gravity environments. This module showcased the game's realistic weapon mechanics and offered a taste of its tactical gameplay. Star Marine gave players a glimpse into the immersive combat potential of Star Citizen's persistent universe.


In Star Marine, players could experience the dynamic and diverse gameplay that Star Citizen offers. They had the opportunity to explore different strategies, utilizing the various weapons and abilities available. Whether navigating through a space station or engaging in zero-gravity combat, Star Marine provided an adrenaline-pumping experience.


The module highlighted the attention to detail and level of realism that Star Citizen is known for. Players could immerse themselves in the game's universe and understand the vastness and complexity that awaited them. Star Marine was just one piece of the expansive puzzle, showcasing the immense potential of Star Citizen's ambitious vision.


Star Citizen continues evolving despite its decade-long development, regularly adding new updates and features. With a dedicated community, passionate developers, and a commitment to delivering a unique gaming experience, Star Citizen is a project that keeps gamers eagerly awaiting its finished release.


Improved New Player Experience text overlays a character with futuristic background
Improved New Player Experience

Persistent Universe

The heart and soul of Star Citizen lie within its persistent universe. It is here where players can truly immerse themselves in a vast open-world environment that seamlessly transitions between the depths of space and the surfaces of planets. Within this expansive virtual world, there are endless possibilities for players to explore, trade, mine, and engage in thrilling combat.


At its core, the persistent universe aims to create a living, breathing virtual world that evolves and responds to player-driven interactions. It is a dynamic experience where every action has consequences and where the choices players make shape the course of their own unique adventure.


The persistent universe offers unparalleled immersion and excitement, whether traversing the cosmos in different ships, from nimble starfighters to massive capital ships, or engaging in epic battles with other gamers.


But what sets Star Citizen's persistent universe apart is its ambition and the dedication of the developers at Roberts Space Industries (RSI). Since its inception, the team at RSI has worked tirelessly to bring this ambitious vision to life. With the support of a passionate and knowledgeable community, they have crafted a world that feels alive and ever-evolving.



While the game is still in development, it's important to note that Star Citizen has come a long way since its Kickstarter campaign back in 2012. Its progress can be seen in the various modules released, such as the Hangar Module, Arena Commander, and Star Marine, each introducing new gameplay mechanics and showcasing the immense potential of the final product.


The persistent universe of Star Citizen promises a thrilling and immersive gameplay experience like no other. It invites players to enter a vast and dynamic virtual world where exploration, trade, combat, and player interactions shape their unique journey. With the dedicated team at RSI and the passionate community supporting its development, the future of Star Citizen's persistent universe holds incredible promise.


An online character looks at a computer in Star Citizen
Single and Multiplayer Modes

Squadron 42 Production

Squadron 42, the single-player campaign of Star Citizen, has garnered immense anticipation from the passionate and knowledgeable community. This cinematic experience features a star-studded cast, including Gillian Anderson, Mark Hamill, and Gary Oldman. Set within the expansive Star Citizen universe, Squadron 42 captivates players with its gripping narrative.


The production of Squadron 42 aims to deliver an immersive storytelling adventure, drawing gamers into a dynamic and realistic world. It showcases the expertise of Roberts Space Industries (RSI) and Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) in creating captivating video game experiences. The development team has meticulously crafted every aspect of the game, from the space stations and different ships to the capital ships that players can command.


As the campaign unfolds, players will navigate through the vast 'Verse, encountering various challenges and making crucial decisions. The game's real-time mechanics and engaging gameplay ensure an unparalleled gaming experience. With renowned actor Liam Cunningham also part of the cast, the level of immersion is further elevated.


While the release date for the finished game is yet to be announced, developers have provided regular insights and updates to keep the eager community informed. The Squadron 42 production has undoubtedly become integral to the Star Citizen journey, making it a highly anticipated chapter in the game's development.


A character looks at a museum display that is titled "One Empire"
Star Citizen One Empire

The Passionate and Knowledgeable Community

The Star Citizen community is renowned for its enthusiastic and well-informed players. These avid backers actively contribute to the game's development by providing valuable feedback and suggestions. They are deeply involved in shaping the future of Star Citizen.


The community organizes various events that unite players, fostering camaraderie and support. Fan content creation is another aspect where the community excels, showcasing their passion and creativity. Whether organizing tournaments, creating machinima, or designing mods, the community's dedication knows no bounds.


The Star Citizen community has played a pivotal role in the game's success. Their unwavering commitment has helped create a strong and vibrant community that enhances the overall experience of Star Citizen. The developers at Roberts Space Industries (RSI) recognize the importance of their community and actively engage with players through regular updates and communication. They value the input of their passionate player base and strive to incorporate their ideas into the game's development.


This symbiotic relationship between the developers and the community sets Star Citizen apart. The shared enthusiasm for the game creates an environment of collaboration and mutual support. The Star Citizen community is more than just a group of gamers; they are active participants in the evolution and growth of the game. As Star Citizen expands, the passionate and knowledgeable community will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping its future.



Community-driven Development

Star Citizen's development process is characterized by its strong emphasis on community involvement. The feedback and ideas from the passionate player base play a crucial role in shaping the game's direction. Star Citizen Cloud Imperium Games's developers actively engage with the community through regular updates and open communication channels. This ensures that the players' voices are heard and their contributions are valued.


The community's involvement goes beyond mere suggestions. Their input has led to significant improvements in gameplay mechanics and the addition of exciting features. Star Citizen fosters a sense of ownership among its dedicated player base by embracing community-driven development. This connection between the players and the development team creates a unique dynamic where everyone feels invested in the game's success.


The collaborative relationship between the developers and the community ensures that Star Citizen accurately reflects the desires and expectations of its players. This level of community-driven development sets Star Citizen apart from other games. It creates a strong sense of camaraderie among its community members. Together, they shape the ever-evolving universe of Star Citizen, making it a truly immersive and engaging experience.


A character looks at a screen that ask to confirm sending a message
Star Citizen Has A Vast Community

Community Events and Conventions

Community events and conventions provide Star Citizen enthusiasts with a fantastic opportunity to connect and engage with like-minded players. It's a chance to share experiences, stories, and adventures within the Star Citizen universe. These events allow gamers to stay up-to-date on the latest news and announcements from Roberts Space Industries (RSI) and Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), the minds behind this incredible video game.


Participants can immerse themselves in the vibrant and passionate Star Citizen community at these events. Exclusive activities and competitions are often organized, offering attendees a chance to showcase their skills and creativity. From exploring space stations and commanding different ships to engaging in intense battles with capital ships, countless thrilling experiences exist.


It's worth mentioning that the dedicated team of developers, led by Chris Roberts, has been working tirelessly to create a realistic and immersive gaming experience. With Liam Cunningham onboard, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Starlancer, the level of detail and attention given to every aspect of the game is astounding. However, it's important to note that Star Citizen is still in the alpha stage of development, with plenty of exciting updates and features yet to be released.


As the Star Citizen community eagerly awaits the game's finished version, community events, and conventions serve as a meeting ground for passionate gamers who eagerly discuss progress. These events highlight the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding Star Citizen, making them an absolute must-attend for any devoted fan.


Star Citizen offers many locations to discover and explore
An Expansive Universe

The Expansive Universe of Star Citizen

The Star Citizen universe offers an expansive and immersive experience for players. With a vast and detailed universe, you can venture into uncharted territories and discover new planets, moons, and star systems in your spaceship. As you navigate this virtual cosmos, you'll have the opportunity to interact with diverse alien races and factions, adding depth and complexity to your journey.


One of the key highlights of Star Citizen is its multi-profession gameplay. Whether you're interested in mining valuable resources, engaging in interstellar trading, or participating in exciting combat encounters, Star Citizen caters to various playstyles. The freedom of choice allows you to create your unique story within the expansive Star Citizen universe.



From sleek and nimble ships to massive capital vessels, Star Citizen offers a wide range of ships to suit different playstyles and objectives. Each ship has its specifications and capabilities, providing players with endless possibilities and strategic options.


As you explore the Star Citizen universe, you'll appreciate the game world's attention to detail and realism. With real-time dynamics and a robust law system, every action you take has consequences. This level of immersion adds depth and realism to the overall experience.


In conclusion, the expansive universe of Star Citizen offers a rich and dynamic gameplay experience. From exploration to interaction with alien races and from diverse professions to the freedom of choice, Star Citizen is a video game that promises to captivate gamers with its immersive gameplay and vast universe.


A player examines a rock made of mostly iron in Star Citizen
In-depth Exploration

Exploration and Discovery

Embark on thrilling expeditions in the vast and captivating Star Citizen universe as you delve into the realm of exploration and discovery. Uncover hidden treasures, forgotten relics, and enigmatic artifacts scattered across uncharted territories.


Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes and celestial phenomena that await you as you venture further into the unknown reaches of space. With advanced scanning and navigation technology at your disposal, you have the power to chart new systems and contribute to the ever-expanding knowledge of the Star Citizen universe.


Immerse yourself in a community of like-minded adventurers and share your extraordinary discoveries. Leave an indelible mark on the universe as you become an essential contributor to its growing lore. As you traverse the vastness of space, encounter ancient ruins, derelict spaceships, and other captivating mysteries that hold secrets waiting to be unearthed. The possibilities are limitless.


The Star Citizen universe beckons you to embark on an unparalleled journey of exploration and discovery. Stride boldly into the unknown, and let the stars guide you toward unimaginable wonders.


Star Citizen screen reading "transaction Complete"
Sophisticated Market For Trade

Trading and Commerce

Become a shrewd trader and accumulate wealth by engaging in the Star Citizen universe's dynamic world of trading and commerce. In this vast and immersive gaming experience, players can establish trade routes and negotiate deals with non-player character (NPC) merchants and fellow gamers. Maximizing profit potential is vital, and savvy traders invest in various types of cargo ships to capitalize on market fluctuations and adapt to changing economic conditions.


Collaboration is also crucial in the pursuit of financial success. The Star Citizen community offers plenty of opportunities for players to form trading organizations, enabling them to dominate the interstellar economy together. By working together, players can pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise to create powerful alliances that control the flow of goods and services throughout the Verse.



The Roberts Space Industries (RSI) developers have created a vibrant and complex universe that allows players to engage in a realistic trading experience. Players will have access to diverse commodities, each with its own supply and demand dynamics. Navigating trade routes, managing inventory, and effectively marketing goods will require strategic thinking and a keen understanding of market trends.


In this ever-evolving virtual universe, staying updated with the latest developments in the trading and commerce sector is important. Whether monitoring market price changes or staying informed about new trade opportunities, remaining adaptable and agile is paramount. The Star Citizen community is known for its passion and dedication, and with the help of fellow gamers, players can stay ahead of the curve and achieve unprecedented financial success.


PvP gameplay in Star Citizen
Star Citizen PvP Action

Combat and Conflict

Engage in thrilling space battles and intense ground combat within the expansive Star Citizen universe. Whether you prefer piloting a starship, manning a gunner position, or fighting on the front lines as a ground soldier, there are various combat roles for you to master. Customize your ships and weapons to gain an edge in combat, enhancing their performance and firepower to suit your playstyle.


In the Star Citizen universe, combat and conflict take on a dynamic and immersive form. Participate in PvP battles where your skills will be tested against other players. Capture strategic locations and fight for control of valuable resources, shaping the outcome of conflicts and influencing the balance of power. Join factions and alliances, forge bonds with like-minded individuals, and collectively wage wars that can have lasting consequences on the evolving universe.


The world of Star Citizen is vast and ever-changing, with different ships to command and explore its diverse regions. From nimble fighters to massive capital ships, each vessel offers a unique experience and adds depth to the gameplay. As a Star Citizen, you'll immerse yourself in realistic environments and real-time events, enhancing your engagement with the game.


Stay tuned for more updates as Star Citizen continues its development journey. Devs are working tirelessly to bring this ambitious project to life, aiming to deliver a finished game that lives up to the expectations of its dedicated community. Keep an eye out for exciting developments in the months to come!


A statue from the game Star Citizen
Where Will The Game Go From Here?

The Future of Star Citizen

As development continues, anticipate regular updates and additions to the ever-expanding Star Citizen universe. The Roberts Space Industries (RSI) team is dedicated to continuously evolving the game, introducing new gameplay features, ships, and systems over time. This commitment ensures that players will always have something new and exciting to experience.


One of the highly anticipated upcoming features is the launch of squadron gameplay. This will allow players to engage in coordinated team-based missions, adding a new level of depth and strategy to the game. Imagine working with a group of friends to accomplish challenging objectives and victory in the vastness of space.


In addition to these exciting new additions, the developers actively seek and incorporate player feedback to improve and enhance the overall gameplay experience. The Star Citizen community plays a vital role in shaping the game's future, providing valuable insights and suggestions that help the devs make informed decisions.


Participate in forums, social media groups, and community events to stay engaged with the Star Citizen community. You can directly impact the game's direction by joining the conversation and sharing your thoughts and ideas. It's an exciting opportunity to be part of this collaborative process.


With the dedication and passion of the development team and the vibrant Star Citizen community, the game's future holds limitless possibilities. From regular updates and innovative gameplay features to the active involvement of the community, Star Citizen continues to evolve and captivate gamers with its immersive and expansive universe. Stay tuned for more thrilling adventures in The Verse!


A character takes aim at a distant spacecraft
Taking Aim

What to Expect and Anticipate

The release of Star Citizen's persistent universe is highly anticipated and promises to provide players with an immersive experience in a unique and dynamic world. The game offers various professions to explore, including trading and combat, catering to different types of gamers. With evolving storylines and player-driven interactions, players can expect to be fully immersed in a living, breathing universe unlike any other.


To stay updated on the latest patches and features, Cloud Imperium Games provides official communications to keep players informed. This ensures that you're always in the know about upcoming features and improvements. The game's developers are dedicated to creating a fully realized world with a law system, different ships ranging from small fighters to massive capital ships, and a realistic and immersive universe known as 'The Verse.'


Star Citizen has been developing for a decade, thanks to the vision of industry veteran Chris Roberts. With his previous successes in games like Wing Commander and Starlancer, gamers have high expectations for Star Citizen.



The game features real-time gameplay and stunning graphics. It even includes Liam Cunningham from Game of Thrones as one of the actors. While the finished game is not yet available, the developers have been providing regular updates and listening to player feedback to ensure a truly remarkable gaming experience.


Star Citizen currently has no release date. As the game develops through a series of Alpha releases, it may be too late to keep up with Starfield, its largest competitor. NOTE: Starfield currently has over 1 million concurrent players!


Conclusion: Hope Is Fading, But There's Still Light

Star Citizen has had a long and eventful journey over the past decade. From its humble beginnings as a Kickstarter campaign to the development of its alpha stage, this game has captured the hearts of a passionate and knowledgeable community. With its expansive universe offering endless possibilities for exploration, trading, and combat, Star Citizen continues to evolve and grow.


As we look toward the future, there is much to anticipate and expect from this ambitious project. Whether you are a dedicated fan or new to Star Citizen, the adventure is just beginning. So strap in and prepare for a thrilling journey through the stars.

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