After more than ten years of development, Chris Roberts, the visionary behind Star Citizen, has shifted from avoiding specific timelines to confirming tentative release targets for the highly anticipated space sim. During a recent interview, Roberts suggested the multiplayer universe could debut between 2027 and 2028.
If this projection holds, Star Citizen’s early access phase—which began in late 2017—would span nearly a decade, potentially surpassing the longevity of The Fun Pimps’ 7 Days to Die. That title exited early access in July 2024 after over 10 years, setting a precedent for extended development cycles in gaming.
Squadron 42, the standalone narrative-driven prequel, is slated for 2026. Cloud Imperium Games teased this release during last year’s CitizenCon, with Roberts likening its anticipated reception to Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto VI. “We aim for a comparable impact,” he remarked. “Beyond GTA VI, this could be one of the most expensive AAA titles. It merges Top Gun’s intensity with Star Wars’ grandeur.”
The campaign boasts a notable cast featuring high-profile talent, including:
- Gary Oldman
- Mark Hamill
- Gillian Anderson
- Mark Strong
- Liam Cunningham
- Andy Serkis
- John Rhys-Davies
- Jack Huston
- Eleanor Tomlinson
- Harry Treadaway
- Sophie Wu
- Damson Idris
- Eric Wareheim
- Rhona Mitra
- Henry Cavill
- Ben Mendelsohn
With development costs exceeding $858 million, the pressure mounts for Star Citizen to deliver on its decade-long promises. Will it meet its ambitious goals? Cast your vote below and join the conversation in the comments section!