How Much Crowdfunding Did Star Citizen Make?
Star Citizen, the ambitious space simulator from Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), has become synonymous with the power of crowdfunding. The game’s development has been largely fueled by its community, resulting in a staggering sum of money raised through direct contributions. As of recent reports, Star Citizen has raised over $600 million from backers, making it not only one of the most expensive games ever developed, but also a record-breaking crowdfunding success story. This astonishing figure comes primarily from direct pledges made on the game’s official website, alongside its initial Kickstarter campaign. The game has been in development since 2011 and continues to be supported by a dedicated player base.
The Journey to $600 Million: A Closer Look
Early Days on Kickstarter
The crowdfunding journey for Star Citizen began in earnest in October 2012 after its announcement at GDC Online. Cloud Imperium Games opted to create its own platform to engage directly with the community. However, before this, Star Citizen raised just over $2 million during its Kickstarter campaign. This initial sum marked a strong start and demonstrated the early interest in the project’s vision.
Direct Funding via Cloud Imperium Games
Following the Kickstarter campaign’s conclusion, Cloud Imperium Games launched a parallel campaign through their own website. It was here, bypassing traditional publisher funding, that the game raised the vast majority of its money, amassing more than $200 million by 2018. This move allowed CIG to maintain a direct relationship with their supporters. This approach also allowed for continuous funding, allowing fans to pledge money to the project at any time. The consistent flow of funds helped finance the large scale of development that the game’s director, Chris Roberts, envisioned.
The Current Status
As of recent times, the total amount raised for Star Citizen has surpassed the $600 million mark, making it one of the largest crowdfunded projects of all time. This staggering figure continues to grow, showcasing the continued faith and enthusiasm of the Star Citizen community. This financial backing has given CIG the resources to develop one of the most ambitious games ever attempted, complete with detailed planetary environments, dynamic economies, and cutting-edge graphics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Star Citizen’s crowdfunding, providing further insight into its financial history and development:
How much money did Star Citizen raise at the end of the initial pledge campaign?
At the initial pledge campaign’s end, the total pledge amount was above all goals initially set by Cloud Imperium Games and reached US$6.2 million. This initial surge of support was a significant indicator of the project’s potential.
When did crowdfunding start for Star Citizen?
The crowdfunding campaign for Star Citizen started in October 2012 following its official announcement. CIG established its own website and platform for this purpose, fostering direct engagement with the community.
Is Star Citizen the most expensive game ever made?
While not all game development and marketing costs are made public, Star Citizen is by far one of the most expensive games ever developed. It surpasses even the production costs of well-known titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077.
How did Star Citizen raise so much money?
Star Citizen amassed most of its funds through continuous crowdfunding efforts on the game’s official website. By creating a direct channel for backers to contribute, Cloud Imperium Games could secure ongoing support, resulting in a financial powerhouse.
What was the initial funding goal for Star Citizen?
While specific initial funding goals were met quickly, the primary goal was to secure enough capital to develop a large scale and highly detailed space simulator. The initial $6.2 million raised exceeded original targets, setting the stage for continued development.
How many copies of Star Citizen have been sold?
According to Cloud Imperium Games boss Chris Roberts’ CitizenCon 2952 introductory speech, 1.7 million players have purchased Star Citizen. This shows a dedicated community backing the game’s continuous development.
Why are Star Citizen ships so expensive?
The high cost of Star Citizen ships is partially designed to prevent the game from becoming unbalanced upon release, providing in-game progression for players. These ships also act as incentives for backers to support the game, which would also fund the games development.
Has anyone made money from crowdfunding?
Yes, numerous people have made money from crowdfunding. In equity crowdfunding, investors can earn if a business becomes profitable, while in debt crowdfunding, they can earn back their investment with interest over time.
What is the most successful Kickstarter project ever?
The Pebble Time smartwatch is considered the most successful Kickstarter project ever. The campaign raised a total of 20.34 billion dollars in Kickstarter pre-order funding, though this is disputed as other sources claim it only raised 20 million.
How many crowdfunding campaigns fail?
It is estimated that roughly 60% of crowdfunding campaigns fail to achieve their funding goals. Success is contingent on many factors, including project quality, marketing, and community support.
What company owns Star Citizen?
Cloud Imperium Group (CIG) owns the intellectual property and is responsible for the development and publication of Star Citizen and Squadron 42.
Is Star Citizen still in Alpha?
Yes, as of the latest updates, Star Citizen is still in its Alpha stage. It has reached Alpha 3.20, with ongoing updates and improvements to the game.
What is the largest organization in Star Citizen?
The largest organization in Star Citizen is TEST Squadron, with a membership of over 21,000 players. This community provides a broad range of roles within the game.
How much did it cost to make Star Citizen?
While precise figures are hard to come by due to non-disclosure, it is estimated that Star Citizen has cost upwards of $415 million. It is more expensive than some estimates. The cost continues to rise as it’s under active development.
What is the most profitable thing in Star Citizen?
Currently, cargo hauling is considered one of the most profitable activities in Star Citizen. This, however, requires planning and resources to maximize earnings.
Conclusion
Star Citizen’s crowdfunding journey is a testament to the power of community support and the ambition of its creators. The fact that the project has raised over $600 million is unprecedented, highlighting the community’s dedication to the game’s vision. This funding has enabled the development of a game that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the gaming space. While the game is still in development, the story of Star Citizen’s crowdfunding success is an ongoing and noteworthy one.