Cloud Imperium Games
Cloud Imperium Games business and news from across the web.
As it rapidly approaches $1 billion in player funding, Star Citizen goes free to play until May 27Cloud Imperium Games is offering Star Citizen for free to play until May 27 as part of its annual DefenseCon event. This promotion allows new and existing players to try out various ships and experience the game's alpha build. The space simulation is also nearing $1 billion in crowdfunding, with its single-player component, Squadron 42, still slated for release this year.- Star Citizen’s DefenseCon event rolls out the red carpet for the MISC Starlite and other ship brandsStar Citizen's DefenseCon event is showcasing various spaceship manufacturers, with MISC currently featured and highlighting the solo-focused Starlite fuel delivery ship. The ongoing event will also feature Mirai, Argo Astronautics, and Greycat Industrial, following previous reveals of the Drake Ironclad, Drake Pitbull, and Origin M80. The game, which began crowdfunding in 2012, remains in alpha with over $900 million raised and continues to face both loyal support and skepticism.
Star Citizen's latest alpha update brings a 'full reset' to its universe, as Cloud Imperium Games promises to crack down on player exploits and duplication issuesCloud Imperium Games has released an update for Star Citizen that includes a universe-wide reset to address widespread player exploits and item duplication issues. The update aims to fix the game's economy, which has been disrupted by players using exploits to gain in-game currency and ships. While this update introduces new missions and features, the game's full release and its single-player component, Squadron 42, remain uncertain.- Star Citizen DefenseCon 2956 Free Fly PostponedCloud Imperium Games has postponed the Star Citizen DefenseCon 2956 Free Fly event. DefenseCon is an annual showcase for the spacecraft featured in the crowdfunded space simulation games Star Citizen and its single-player counterpart, Squadron 42.
- Star Citizen alpha 4.8 Tactical Strike includes a group mission, DefenseCon free-fly, and ship insurance updatesStar Citizen has launched its alpha 4.8 update, titled Tactical Strike, introducing a new PvE group mission, the DefenseCon free-fly event, and significant updates to ship insurance mechanics. The new insurance system offers a free, slower claim option and a faster, paid option that saves custom loadouts, alongside a "bricking" function to combat item duplication. This update also includes a full server wipe and new in-game features like player-managed refueling and rearming.
Star Citizen’s DefenseCon 2956 brings free fly event, new ships, and massive battlecruisersCloud Imperium Games has launched DefenseCon 2956 for Star Citizen, running until May 27, featuring a free fly event and showcasing over 100 ships. The event highlights new Drake Interplanetary vessels like the Ironclad freighter and Pitbull snub fighter, alongside reveals from other manufacturers including Aegis and Anvil. Players can also participate in Twitch Drops and referral reward programs.
Star Citizen's Annual Fleet Week Returns as DefenseCon 2956Cloud Imperium Games is hosting DefenseCon 2956 for Star Citizen until May 27, featuring new ship launches, Twitch Drops, and a rotating manufacturer showcase. The game is currently free to download and play, with over 100 ships available to rent. The event also coincides with the release of Alpha 4.8, which includes a new large-scale mission called Tactical Strike Groups.
Manchester Games Network launches to put UK region 'back on the games map'Industry veterans have launched the Manchester Games Network (MGN) to support and advocate for local game developers in Greater Manchester. The organization aims to consolidate the region's position as a game development hub by providing networking opportunities, influencing policy, and promoting inclusive representation. MGN also plans to strengthen ties with educational institutions and attract larger companies to the area.
Star Citizen commits to a "comprehensive wipe" as CIG fights back aginst duping exploitsCloud Imperium Games has announced a comprehensive wipe for Star Citizen alpha 4.8, resetting in-game currency, purchased vehicles, items, and reputation to combat duplication exploits and stabilize the game's economy. This decision comes after community feedback regarding concerns about players obtaining high-end rewards through illicit means. The update also introduces Tactical Strike Groups and ship hangar services.- Star Citizen confirms a full wipe is coming with alpha 4.8 after players report widespread exploits and dupingCloud Imperium Games has confirmed that Star Citizen will undergo a full data wipe with the upcoming Alpha 4.8 update, addressing widespread exploits and duping issues. This wipe will reset credits, in-game resources, and all purchased ships, including those earned through in-game trading, with only cash shop entitlements and earned blueprints being retained. The update is scheduled to launch today, May 13th, coinciding with the DefenseCon free fly event.
- Star Citizen previews May 14’s DefenseCon as an academic analyzes the sandbox’s network techStar Citizen is preparing for its DefenseCon free fly event starting May 14th, featuring rotating ship rentals. Concurrently, an academic analysis of the game's network technology suggests its current stack may not support the envisioned MMO world, though the study emphasizes transparency. The highly crowdfunded game, which began development in 2012, remains in alpha with over $900 million raised.
- Star Citizen discusses vehicle balance, ship updates, and when a vessel would get the Mk II treatmentCloud Imperium Games developers discussed upcoming vehicle balance changes for Star Citizen, including fighter weight class distinctions and a missile rework. They clarified that the Caterpillar's upcoming module is a rework, not a Mk II variant, and that new ship variants depend on gameplay needs. The discussion also touched on gamepad support and ship armor effects.
- Star Citizen hypes its May 14 DefenseCon event and alpha 4.8 content, confirms no CitizenCon this yearCloud Imperium Games is hyping its upcoming DefenseCon event, scheduled from May 14th to 27th, which will replace Invictus Launch Week and allow players to rent various spacecraft. The game's alpha 4.8 update, expected next week, will introduce multiplayer tactical strike groups and other features. CitizenCon will not be held this year as the studio focuses on updates and the eventual release of Squadron 42.
- MMO Business Roundup: Steam Controller, Star Citizen exec departure, and Crimson Desert dev bonusesThis MMO business roundup covers several industry updates, including Pearl Abyss developers receiving bonuses due to Crimson Desert's high sales. Valve has officially debuted its Steam Controller for PC at $99. Additionally, Cloud Imperium Games' vice president of game development, Brian Chambers, has stepped down after an 11-year tenure.
- Star Citizen adds more missions to Nyx, details alpha 4.8, and teases the next free-fly eventStar Citizen has detailed upcoming additions for its next alpha build, including new weapons, a flight suit, and vehicle loadout saving. A teaser suggests an upcoming free-fly event called DefenseCon, potentially replacing the Invictus Launch Week. The game's alpha 4.7.2 update also added nearly 100 new missions to the Nyx system.
- Star Citizen teases crafting features, craftable stuff, and future crafting updates in latest videoCloud Imperium Games has detailed future plans for crafting in Star Citizen, including the creation of weapon attachments, mining gadgets, and higher-tier weapons. Future updates will introduce secondary materials for crafting, player trading, and expanded base and ship crafting capabilities. The article also notes the game's ongoing development in alpha, its extensive crowdfunding history, and the delayed single-player title Squadron 42.
- Star Citizen confirms cancellation of Squadron 42 pledge package buybacks was intentionalCloud Imperium Games has confirmed that the cancellation of buyback eligibility for Star Citizen pledge packages that include Squadron 42 was an intentional decision. The studio stated that the system was not designed to circumvent the game's removal from the store or to facilitate grey market sales. This change has been met with mixed reactions from the community, with some supporting the decision and others wishing for more advanced notice.
- Buyback for Star Citizen packages with Squadron 42 was suddenly ended by CIG without warningCloud Imperium Games has reportedly ended the ability for players to buy back Star Citizen packages that include Squadron 42, without prior announcement. This change has caused significant backlash among long-time backers on Reddit and official forums, with some players reporting that even developers at CIG were unaware of the decision, suggesting it may be a bug.
Look, 16 GB of RAM is absolutely fine for PC gaming in 2026. Though there are some caveats to that...This analysis investigates whether 16 GB of RAM is sufficient for PC gaming in 2026, testing various memory-intensive games with both 16 GB and 32 GB configurations on high-end and mainstream GPUs. While 16 GB proved adequate for many titles, especially with ample VRAM, multitasking or playing extremely demanding games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Star Citizen may still benefit from 32 GB.
Star Citizen Goes Free to Play for a Limited Time as Crowdfunding Passes $960 MillionStar Citizen developer Cloud Imperium Games has released Alpha 4.7, introducing new content and features. The game is also currently free to play for a limited time as its crowdfunding total surpasses $960 million.