Public perception of Star Citizen has undergone significant transformations over time. The ambitious space simulation concept initially sparked enthusiasm but gradually became a symbol of development challenges. While gathering record-breaking funding, only a fraction of promised features have materialized after numerous delays – including the long-awaited Squadron 42. The player base has notably diminished, with critics arguing that ship monetization frequently overshadows development priorities. This raises critical questions: When did work on Star Citizen truly begin? Was it 2012, or did groundwork start earlier?

The Squadron 42 announcement trailer now stands over a dozen years old, highlighting the project’s extended timeline.

Current estimates based on development milestones suggest production spans between 13.5 to nearly 15 years as of 2025, depending on when one starts counting. If considering initial conceptual work circa 2010, the timeframe approaches 15 years. Even from its official 2012 unveiling, development exceeds 12 years.

By any measure, Star Citizen represents a multi-decade endeavor evolving from prototype to persistent multiplayer environment. Developers maintain the project remains in active development with no confirmed launch window, continuing to challenge conventional expectations about software development cycles. How history judges this prolonged creation process remains uncertain, but its duration has undeniably set new industry precedents.