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[[File:Follow the development.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Follow the development.jpg|thumb]]
The development of [[Star Citizen|''Star Citizen'']] is ongoing; beginning with the start of [[Crowdfunding campaign|crowdfunding]] and continuing today.
The development of ''[[Star Citizen]]'' is ongoing; beginning with the start of [[Crowdfunding campaign|crowdfunding]] and continuing today.


The following sections show the features and mechanics added to ''Star Citizen'' in each year and month, as well as the major tasks undertaken by the different studios.
The following sections show the features and mechanics added to ''Star Citizen'' in each year and month, as well as the major tasks undertaken by the different studios.
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In 2011 [[Chris Roberts]] wanted to do another game, possibly under the [[Wing Commander (series)|''Wing Commander'']] brand which he had created, and to push the boundaries in terms of narrative and cinematic storytelling again. He was looking at games that had been done and in his eyes they were falling short not because of the technology but because of how they were done.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130113113305/www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/715384/back-on-the-flight-deck-an-interview-with-wing-commanders-chris-roberts/ Back On The Flight Deck: An Interview With Wing Commander’s Chris Roberts], g4tv, August 12, 2011, archived</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
In 2011 [[Chris Roberts]] wanted to do another game, possibly under the [[Wing Commander (series)|''Wing Commander'']] brand which he had created, and to push the boundaries in terms of narrative and cinematic storytelling again. He was looking at games that had been done and in his eyes they were falling short not because of the technology but because of how they were done.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130113113305/www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/715384/back-on-the-flight-deck-an-interview-with-wing-commanders-chris-roberts/ Back On The Flight Deck: An Interview With Wing Commander’s Chris Roberts], g4tv, August 12, 2011, archived</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


He was scoping out game development trends and thinking about doing a big console game, with funding from a publisher.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
He was scoping out game development trends and thinking about doing a big console game, with funding from a publisher.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


However he felt that wasn’t so interesting and he wanted to control his own destiny, not work for a major publisher. He eventually focused on the PC, where technology is moving far ahead of consoles and where the game would be free of considerations towards console generations.<ref name=":1">[https://venturebeat.com/games/wing-commander-creator-chris-roberts-returns-to-gaming-with-star-citizen-online-game-universe/ Wing Commander creator Chris Roberts returns to gaming with Star Citizen online game universe], VentureBeat, October 10, 2012</ref><ref name=":0">[https://www.gamesindustry.biz/star-citizen-well-compete-with-any-aaa-game-out-there Star Citizen: "We'll compete with any AAA game out there"], gamesindustry.biz, Dec. 13, 2012</ref>
However he felt that wasn’t so interesting and he wanted to control his own destiny, not work for a major publisher. He eventually focused on the PC, where technology is moving far ahead of consoles and where the game would be free of considerations towards console generations.<ref name=":0">[https://www.gamesindustry.biz/star-citizen-well-compete-with-any-aaa-game-out-there Star Citizen: "We'll compete with any AAA game out there"], gamesindustry.biz, Dec. 13, 2012</ref><ref name=":1">[https://venturebeat.com/games/wing-commander-creator-chris-roberts-returns-to-gaming-with-star-citizen-online-game-universe/ Wing Commander creator Chris Roberts returns to gaming with Star Citizen online game universe], VentureBeat, October 10, 2012</ref>


He felt that technology had caught up with his vision and the resources were now available. He also felt it was good timing and that there was a lack of large scale space sim titles in the past decade at the time.<ref>[https://www.pcinvasion.com/chris-roberts-talks-star-citizen-funding/ Chris Roberts talks Star Citizen funding on TV – He’s also “no George Clooney”], pcinvasion.com, November 6, 2014</ref>
He felt that technology had caught up with his vision and the resources were now available. He also felt it was good timing and that there was a lack of large scale space sim titles in the past decade at the time.<ref>[https://www.pcinvasion.com/chris-roberts-talks-star-citizen-funding/ Chris Roberts talks Star Citizen funding on TV – He’s also “no George Clooney”], pcinvasion.com, November 6, 2014</ref>


The original pitch was made with the option of being a ''[[Wing Commander (series)|Wing Commander]]'' game but the idea that it could work as its own IP was there from the start, too. <ref name=":4">"[https://x.com/banditloaf/status/1795583578375680078 I guess it’s most fair to say the original pitch was made with the option of being a Wing Commander game… the idea that it could work as its own IP was there from the start, too. The casting came later, though, through the strength of Chris’ relationship with the WC actors.]", @banditloaf, Twitter, May 29, 2024</ref>
The original pitch was made with the option of being a ''[[Wing Commander (series)|Wing Commander]]'' game but the idea that it could work as its own IP was there from the start, too.<ref name=":4">"[https://x.com/banditloaf/status/1795583578375680078 I guess it’s most fair to say the original pitch was made with the option of being a Wing Commander game… the idea that it could work as its own IP was there from the start, too. The casting came later, though, through the strength of Chris’ relationship with the WC actors.]", @banditloaf, Twitter, May 29, 2024</ref>


As Chief Creative Officer of [[Bl!nk Media International]], he was planning a ''Wing Commander'' video game by Wing Commander Productions, which had already been used for the [[Wing Commander (movie)|''Wing Commander'' movie]], but got certified in Michigan in 2011.<ref name=":2">[https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSummary.aspx?token=nBxILn58HwVtv4JMRDwTm1cWblopjmzIgq3FCQzRMH7Z0mRAdeXC1MXJ3ctMNqhuVPemBqgBDdW+j4nc+KrClv7cFDPva5uQY5JcSuRzx0a7oQ46jvkGlMNh07aXI4j9c0WjuS4rQBwPloeU/kNDTDUA4ti1qwrZlET8A8DJhbkwN8QViJ4SaaNxi3omSKESzQuxUyQzbERjZ5G0V8KzqmZS/NESZbicv1vzgCMHAMFla5xtG6HN2c6mUj8SQKrJNpTx9dli0s8lLAmAmWK8Hw/rFd+dcuhGNa7abVdeYJdcFB5bMvb7+AdlWjdOA+e74pUDfM8GtHdoqI748d2jfIp796Ai3SHv Wing Commander Productions, Inc], Summary, Michigan Corporations Online Filing System, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, ID Number: 800739221</ref><ref>[https://download.wcnews.com/files/other/michigan-film-office-semi-annual-report-July-15-2011.pdf Semi-Annual Project Report], Michigan Film Office, July 15 2011</ref> The casting came later, though, through the strength of Chris’ relationship with the ''Wing Commnander'' actors.<ref name=":4" /> This video game project would have been starring past actors from ''Wing Commander''.<ref>[https://www.wcnews.com/news/2011/09/08/breaking-news-is-a-new-wing-commander-already-in-the-works Breaking News: Is a New Wing Commander Already In the Works?], Wing Commander Combat Information Center, September 8, 2011</ref> Wing Commander Productions got dissolved in 2012.<ref name=":2" /> In 2012 Mariano Diaz shared ''WIng Commander'' concept art featuring Kilrathis which is likely linked to this project.<ref>[https://marianoadiaz.blogspot.com/ Mariano A. Diaz Concept Art], marianoadiaz.blogspot.com, 2012</ref>
As Chief Creative Officer of [[Bl!nk Media International]], he was planning a ''Wing Commander'' video game by Wing Commander Productions, which had already been used for the [[Wing Commander (movie)|''Wing Commander'' movie]], but got certified in Michigan in 2011.<ref name=":2">[https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSummary.aspx?token=nBxILn58HwVtv4JMRDwTm1cWblopjmzIgq3FCQzRMH7Z0mRAdeXC1MXJ3ctMNqhuVPemBqgBDdW+j4nc+KrClv7cFDPva5uQY5JcSuRzx0a7oQ46jvkGlMNh07aXI4j9c0WjuS4rQBwPloeU/kNDTDUA4ti1qwrZlET8A8DJhbkwN8QViJ4SaaNxi3omSKESzQuxUyQzbERjZ5G0V8KzqmZS/NESZbicv1vzgCMHAMFla5xtG6HN2c6mUj8SQKrJNpTx9dli0s8lLAmAmWK8Hw/rFd+dcuhGNa7abVdeYJdcFB5bMvb7+AdlWjdOA+e74pUDfM8GtHdoqI748d2jfIp796Ai3SHv Wing Commander Productions, Inc], Summary, Michigan Corporations Online Filing System, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, ID Number: 800739221</ref><ref>[https://download.wcnews.com/files/other/michigan-film-office-semi-annual-report-July-15-2011.pdf Semi-Annual Project Report], Michigan Film Office, July 15, 2011</ref> The casting came later, though, through the strength of Chris’ relationship with the ''Wing Commnander'' actors.<ref name=":4" /> This video game project would have been starring past actors from ''Wing Commander''.<ref>[https://www.wcnews.com/news/2011/09/08/breaking-news-is-a-new-wing-commander-already-in-the-works Breaking News: Is a New Wing Commander Already In the Works?], Wing Commander Combat Information Center, September 8, 2011</ref> Wing Commander Productions got dissolved in 2012.<ref name=":2" /> In 2012 Mariano Diaz shared ''WIng Commander'' concept art featuring Kilrathis which is likely linked to this project.<ref>[https://marianoadiaz.blogspot.com/ Mariano A. Diaz Concept Art], marianoadiaz.blogspot.com, 2012</ref>


Concept art shared in 2011 by [[Rob McKinnon]] and later rebranded for S''tar Citizen'' also points to an initially ''Wing Commander'' themed game.<ref>[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/media/6atsvwnwuyokkr/source/UUE001.png UEE armor illustration], Death of a Spaceman comm-link, February 5th 2013</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110826071931/https://robertmckinnon.blogspot.com/ Suit up!], Rob McKinnon Concept Art, July 25, 2011</ref><ref>[https://cache.krop.com/robmckinnon-5710312a1d05fca.jpg Confederation marine concept art by Rob McKinnon], krop.com, Rob McKinnon</ref>
[[:Category:Concept art images|Concept art]] shared in 2011 by [[Rob McKinnon]] and later rebranded for S''tar Citizen'' also points to an initially ''Wing Commander'' themed game.<ref>[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/media/6atsvwnwuyokkr/source/UUE001.png UEE armor illustration], Death of a Spaceman comm-link, February 5th 2013</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110826071931/https://robertmckinnon.blogspot.com/ Suit up!], Rob McKinnon Concept Art, July 25, 2011</ref><ref>[https://cache.krop.com/robmckinnon-5710312a1d05fca.jpg Confederation marine concept art by Rob McKinnon], krop.com, Rob McKinnon</ref>


== Pre-Production ==
== Pre-Production ==
Starting towards the end of 2011, Chris Roberts spent over a year building the game's backstory, experimenting with game engines and creating a prototype in [[CryEngine]] that could be presented at campaign launch. Using their own funds, [[Cloud Imperium|Cloud Imperium Games]] engaged a small group of writers, designers, and engineers to assist in this process.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20160705061544/https://www.themittani.com/features/exclusive-interview-star-citizens-chris-roberts Basically I’ve been working with a small team over the course of the past year to get the early prototyping and production done. The team has varied in scale from just me, essentially, to about 10 people. That’s just the actual work though.]", Exclusive Interview: Star Citizen's Chris Roberts, themittani.com, 2012-10-19, archived</ref><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20160914002052/https://www.simplygon.com/news/cloud-imperium-games-chooses-simplygon When I was first prototyping Star Citizen back in 2011 I did a lot of research on various LOD processes]", Cloud Imperium games chooses Simplygon, simplygon.com, 28th April 2014, archived</ref><ref>[https://www.gamesindustry.biz/how-indie-film-financing-could-shape-the-future-of-games How indie film financing could shape the future of games], [[Ortwin Freyermuth]], gamesindustry.biz, June 23, 2014</ref>
Starting towards the end of 2011, Chris Roberts and a few other people spent over a year building the game's backstory, experimenting with game engines and creating a prototype in [[CryEngine]] that could be presented at campaign launch to show what the game would be like using in-game footage. Using their own funds, [[Cloud Imperium|Cloud Imperium Games]] engaged a small group of writers, designers, and engineers to assist in this process.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20160705061544/https://www.themittani.com/features/exclusive-interview-star-citizens-chris-roberts Basically I’ve been working with a small team over the course of the past year to get the early prototyping and production done. The team has varied in scale from just me, essentially, to about 10 people. That’s just the actual work though.]", Exclusive Interview: Star Citizen's Chris Roberts, themittani.com, 2012-10-19, archived</ref><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20160914002052/https://www.simplygon.com/news/cloud-imperium-games-chooses-simplygon When I was first prototyping Star Citizen back in 2011 I did a lot of research on various LOD processes]", Cloud Imperium games chooses Simplygon, simplygon.com, 28th April 2014, archived</ref><ref>[https://www.gamesindustry.biz/how-indie-film-financing-could-shape-the-future-of-games How indie film financing could shape the future of games], [[Ortwin Freyermuth]], gamesindustry.biz, June 23, 2014</ref>


[[Sean Tracy]], who had previously convinced Chris Roberts to go with CryEngine, along with [[Paul Reindell]] and others, were among the first people working on Star Citizen.<ref name=":3">[https://youtu.be/TiVODuGFCMg?feature=shared&t=5585 Star Citizen CitizenCon 2014 Complete Show], Star Citizen, YouTube, 14 Oct 2014</ref> [[Crytek]] had ''Wing Commander'' fans who were helping to create the prototype even after hours.<ref name=":3" />
[[Sean Tracy]] from Crytek, who had previously convinced Chris Roberts to go with CryEngine, along with [[Paul Reindell]] and others, were among the first people working on Star Citizen.<ref name=":3">[https://youtu.be/TiVODuGFCMg?feature=shared&t=5585 Star Citizen CitizenCon 2014 Complete Show], Star Citizen, YouTube, 14 Oct 2014</ref> [[Crytek]] had ''Wing Commander'' fans who were helping to create the prototype even after hours.<ref name=":3" />


A teaser trailer for Chris Roberts untitled project was released in 2012.<ref>[https://youtu.be/UJJTnG02WYM?feature=shared Creator of Wing Commander, Chris Roberts Untitled Project Teaser Trailer], Gamespot, YouTube, 2 Oct 2012</ref>
A teaser trailer for Chris Roberts untitled project was released in September 2012.<ref>[https://youtu.be/UJJTnG02WYM?feature=shared Creator of Wing Commander, Chris Roberts Untitled Project Teaser Trailer], Gamespot, YouTube, 2 Oct 2012</ref>


== Production ==
== Production ==


== 2012 ==
== 2012 ==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |October
| width="85px" |October
|Game reveal at [[GDC Online 2012|GDC]] on the 10th, start of the [[crowdfunding campaign]] and the game production.
|Start of Kickstarter campaign
* [[Roberts Space Industries|RSI]] [[Aurora]] min. pledge level ''SCOUT''
* [[Roberts Space Industries|RSI]] [[Aurora]] min. pledge level ''SCOUT''
*[[Origin Jumpworks|Origin]] [[300i]] min. pledge level ''BOUNTY HUNTER''
*[[Origin Jumpworks|Origin]] [[300i]] min. pledge level ''BOUNTY HUNTER''
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|-
|-
|November
|November
|End of Kickstarter campaign
|End of [[Crowdfunding campaign#Kickstarter|Kickstarter campaign]]
|}
|}


==2013==
==2013==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |August
| width="85px" |August
|
|
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*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch 2]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch 2]]
* Release of [[Star Citizen Patch 3]]
* Release of [[Star Citizen Patch 3]]
* [https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/13266-Letter-From-The-Chairman-19-Million Community poll on what to do after the crowfdfunding goal is reached], with 87% votes to keep the crowdfunding up through development and continue to offer stretch goal rewards in addition to extra features and development milestones.
* [https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/13266-Letter-From-The-Chairman-19-Million Community poll on what to do after the crowfdfunding goal is reached], with 87% votes to keep the crowdfunding up through development and continue to offer [[Stretch Goals|stretch goal rewards]] in addition to extra features and development milestones.
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch 4]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch 4]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch 5]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch 5]]
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2014 is marked by the release of [[Arena Commander]] and other mechanics
2014 is marked by the release of [[Arena Commander]] and other mechanics


{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" | January
| width="85px" | January
|
|
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*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch V0.9.1.2]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch V0.9.1.2]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch V0.9.1.3]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch V0.9.1.3]]
*[[Origin]] [[315a]] flyable
*[[Origin]] [[325a]] flyable
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch V0.9.2]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Patch V0.9.2]]
*[[CitizenCon 2014]] in Los Angeles
*[[CitizenCon 2014]] in Los Angeles
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==2015==
==2015==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
|January
|January
|
|
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== 2016 ==
== 2016 ==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |January
| width="85px" |January
|
|
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==2017==
==2017==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |February
| width="85px" |February
|
|
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==2018==
==2018==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |February
| width="85px" |February
|
|
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*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Freelancer MIS]] flyable
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Freelancer MIS]] flyable
*[[Origin]] [[600i Touring]] flyable
*[[Origin]] [[600i Touring]] flyable
*[[RSI]] [[Constellation Phoenix#Special_editions|Constellation Phoenix Emerald]] flyable
*[[RSI]] [[Constellation Phoenix#Special editions|Constellation Phoenix Emerald]] flyable
*[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/16912-Letter-From-The-Chairman Letter from the Chairman] — "Squadron 42: The Road to Release, Financials and New Partners"
*[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/16912-Letter-From-The-Chairman Letter from the Chairman] — "Squadron 42: The Road to Release, Financials and New Partners"
|}
|}


==2019==
==2019==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |January
| width="85px" |January
|
|
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|
|
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.5.0]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.5.0]]
*[[Anvil Aerospace|Anvil]] [[F7C-M_Super_Hornet#Special_editions|F7C-M Heartseeker]] flyable
*[[Anvil Aerospace|Anvil]] [[F7C-M Super Hornet#Special editions|F7C-M Heartseeker]] flyable
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Reliant Tana]] flyable
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Reliant Tana]] flyable
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Reliant Sen]] flyable
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Reliant Sen]] flyable
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Reliant Mako]] flyable
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Reliant Mako]] flyable
*[[Roberts Space Industries|RSI]] [[Ursa#Special_editions|Ursa Rover Fortuna]] flyable
*[[Roberts Space Industries|RSI]] [[Ursa#Special editions|Ursa Rover Fortuna]] flyable
|-
|-
|May
|May
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==2020==
==2020==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |January
| width="85px" |January
|
|
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*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.9.1]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.9.1]]
*[[Drake Interplanetary|Drake]] [[Cutlass Blue]] flyable
*[[Drake Interplanetary|Drake]] [[Cutlass Blue]] flyable
*[[Kruger Intergalactic|Kruger]] [[P-72_Archimedes#Special_editions|P-72_Archimedes Emerald]] concept sale
*[[Kruger Intergalactic|Kruger]] [[P-72 Archimedes#Special editions|P-72_Archimedes Emerald]] concept sale
* [[Origin Jumpworks|Origin]] [[G12]] concept sale
* [[Origin Jumpworks|Origin]] [[G12]] concept sale
|-
|-
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|
|
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.10.0]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.10.0]]
*[[Kruger Intergalactic|Kruger]] [[P-72_Archimedes#Special_editions|P-72_Archimedes Emerald]] flyable
*[[Kruger Intergalactic|Kruger]] [[P-72 Archimedes#Special editions|P-72_Archimedes Emerald]] flyable
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.10.1]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.10.1]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.10.2]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.10.2]]
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*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.11.0c]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.11.0c]]
*[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/17805-Letter-From-The-Chairman Letter from the Chairman]
*[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/17805-Letter-From-The-Chairman Letter from the Chairman]
*[[CitizenCon 2020]] in Los Angeles (cancelled)
|-
|-
|November
|November
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==2021==
==2021==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |January
| width="85px" |January
|
|
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|October
|October
|
|
*[[CitizenCon 2021]] held online
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.15.0]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.15.0]]
*[[Crusader Industries|Crusader]] [[A2 Hercules Starlifter]] flyable
*[[Crusader Industries|Crusader]] [[A2 Hercules Starlifter]] flyable
Line 623: Line 625:


==2022==
==2022==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |January
| width="85px" |January
|
|
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*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.17.3]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.17.3]]
*[[Greycat Industrial|Greycat]] [[STV]] straight to flyable sale
*[[Greycat Industrial|Greycat]] [[STV]] straight to flyable sale
*[[CitizenCon 2022]] held online
*[[Crusader Industries|Crusader]] [[Spirit]] concept sale
*[[Crusader Industries|Crusader]] [[Spirit]] concept sale
|-
|-
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==2023==
==2023==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |January
| width="85px" |January
|
|
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*[[Crusader Industries|Crusader]] [[A1 Spirit]] flyable
*[[Crusader Industries|Crusader]] [[A1 Spirit]] flyable
*[[Drake Interplanetary|Drake]] [[Cutter Scout]] straight to flyable sale
*[[Drake Interplanetary|Drake]] [[Cutter Scout]] straight to flyable sale
*[[CitizenCon 2023]] in Los Angeles
*[[Squadron 42]] announced feature complete and entering polishing phase
*[[Squadron 42]] announced feature complete and entering polishing phase
|-
|-
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==2024==
==2024==
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
| width="85px" |January
| width="85px" |January
|
|
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*[[Drake Interplanetary|Drake]] [[Ironclad Assault]] concept sale
*[[Drake Interplanetary|Drake]] [[Ironclad Assault]] concept sale
*[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/19936-Hornet-Mk-I Bid Farewell to Hornet Mk I]
*[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/19936-Hornet-Mk-I Bid Farewell to Hornet Mk I]
|-
|June
|
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.23.1a]]
|-
|August
|
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.24.0]]
*[[Aegis Dynamics|Aegis]] [[Sabre Peregrine]] straight to flyable sale
|-
|September
|
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.24.1]]
*[[Argo Astronautics|ARGO]] [[ATLS]] straight to flyable sale
|-
|October
|
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.24.2]]
*[[Argo Astronautics|ARGO]] [[CSV-SM]] straight to flyable sale
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Starlancer TAC]] concept sale
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Starlancer MAX]] flyable sale in advance
*[[CitizenCon 2024]] in Manchester
|-
|November
|
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.24.2a]]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.24.3]]
*[[Roberts Space Industries|RSI]] [[Polaris]] flyable
*[[Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern|MISC]] [[Starlancer MAX]] flyable
*[[Crusader Industries|Crusader]] [[Intrepid]] straight to flyable sale
*[[Anvil]] [[F7C-R Hornet Tracker Mk II]] straight to flyable sale
*[[Anvil]] [[F7C-S Hornet Ghost Mk II]] straight to flyable sale
*[[Anvil]] [[Terrapin Medic]] straight to flyable sale
*[[Anvil]] [[Paladin]] concept sale
|-
|December
|
*[https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/20371-Letter-From-The-Chairman Letter from the Chairman]
*Release of [[Star Citizen Alpha 4.0.0]]
*[[Mirai]] [[Guardian]] and [[Guardian QI]] straight to flyable sale
|}
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Latest revision as of 19:48, 22 December 2024

The development of Star Citizen is ongoing; beginning with the start of crowdfunding and continuing today.

The following sections show the features and mechanics added to Star Citizen in each year and month, as well as the major tasks undertaken by the different studios.

Early thoughts

In 2011 Chris Roberts wanted to do another game, possibly under the Wing Commander brand which he had created, and to push the boundaries in terms of narrative and cinematic storytelling again. He was looking at games that had been done and in his eyes they were falling short not because of the technology but because of how they were done.[1][2][3]

He was scoping out game development trends and thinking about doing a big console game, with funding from a publisher.[2][3]

However he felt that wasn’t so interesting and he wanted to control his own destiny, not work for a major publisher. He eventually focused on the PC, where technology is moving far ahead of consoles and where the game would be free of considerations towards console generations.[2][3]

He felt that technology had caught up with his vision and the resources were now available. He also felt it was good timing and that there was a lack of large scale space sim titles in the past decade at the time.[4]

The original pitch was made with the option of being a Wing Commander game but the idea that it could work as its own IP was there from the start, too.[5]

As Chief Creative Officer of Bl!nk Media International, he was planning a Wing Commander video game by Wing Commander Productions, which had already been used for the Wing Commander movie, but got certified in Michigan in 2011.[6][7] The casting came later, though, through the strength of Chris’ relationship with the Wing Commnander actors.[5] This video game project would have been starring past actors from Wing Commander.[8] Wing Commander Productions got dissolved in 2012.[6] In 2012 Mariano Diaz shared WIng Commander concept art featuring Kilrathis which is likely linked to this project.[9]

Concept art shared in 2011 by Rob McKinnon and later rebranded for Star Citizen also points to an initially Wing Commander themed game.[10][11][12]

Pre-Production

Starting towards the end of 2011, Chris Roberts and a few other people spent over a year building the game's backstory, experimenting with game engines and creating a prototype in CryEngine that could be presented at campaign launch to show what the game would be like using in-game footage. Using their own funds, Cloud Imperium Games engaged a small group of writers, designers, and engineers to assist in this process.[13][14][15]

Sean Tracy from Crytek, who had previously convinced Chris Roberts to go with CryEngine, along with Paul Reindell and others, were among the first people working on Star Citizen.[16] Crytek had Wing Commander fans who were helping to create the prototype even after hours.[16]

A teaser trailer for Chris Roberts untitled project was released in September 2012.[17]

Production

2012

October Game reveal at GDC on the 10th, start of the crowdfunding campaign and the game production.
November End of Kickstarter campaign

2013

August
September
October
December

2014

2014 is marked by the release of Arena Commander and other mechanics

January
February
May
June
July
September
October
November
December

2015

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2016

January
February
March
April
May
June
August
October
November
December

2017

February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2018

February
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
October
November
December

2019

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2020

January
February
April
May
August
October
November
December

2021

January
February
April
May
June
August
October
November
December

2022

January
February
April
May
July
October
November
December

2023

January
March
April
May
June
September
October
November
December

2024

January
February
March
April
May
June
August
September
October
November
December


References

  1. ↑ Back On The Flight Deck: An Interview With Wing Commander’s Chris Roberts, g4tv, August 12, 2011, archived
  2. ↑ Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 2.2 Star Citizen: "We'll compete with any AAA game out there", gamesindustry.biz, Dec. 13, 2012
  3. ↑ Jump up to: 3.0 3.1 3.2 Wing Commander creator Chris Roberts returns to gaming with Star Citizen online game universe, VentureBeat, October 10, 2012
  4. ↑ Chris Roberts talks Star Citizen funding on TV – He’s also “no George Clooney”, pcinvasion.com, November 6, 2014
  5. ↑ Jump up to: 5.0 5.1 "I guess it’s most fair to say the original pitch was made with the option of being a Wing Commander game… the idea that it could work as its own IP was there from the start, too. The casting came later, though, through the strength of Chris’ relationship with the WC actors.", @banditloaf, Twitter, May 29, 2024
  6. ↑ Jump up to: 6.0 6.1 Wing Commander Productions, Inc, Summary, Michigan Corporations Online Filing System, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, ID Number: 800739221
  7. ↑ Semi-Annual Project Report, Michigan Film Office, July 15, 2011
  8. ↑ Breaking News: Is a New Wing Commander Already In the Works?, Wing Commander Combat Information Center, September 8, 2011
  9. ↑ Mariano A. Diaz Concept Art, marianoadiaz.blogspot.com, 2012
  10. ↑ UEE armor illustration, Death of a Spaceman comm-link, February 5th 2013
  11. ↑ Suit up!, Rob McKinnon Concept Art, July 25, 2011
  12. ↑ Confederation marine concept art by Rob McKinnon, krop.com, Rob McKinnon
  13. ↑ "Basically I’ve been working with a small team over the course of the past year to get the early prototyping and production done. The team has varied in scale from just me, essentially, to about 10 people. That’s just the actual work though.", Exclusive Interview: Star Citizen's Chris Roberts, themittani.com, 2012-10-19, archived
  14. ↑ "When I was first prototyping Star Citizen back in 2011 I did a lot of research on various LOD processes", Cloud Imperium games chooses Simplygon, simplygon.com, 28th April 2014, archived
  15. ↑ How indie film financing could shape the future of games, Ortwin Freyermuth, gamesindustry.biz, June 23, 2014
  16. ↑ Jump up to: 16.0 16.1 Star Citizen CitizenCon 2014 Complete Show, Star Citizen, YouTube, 14 Oct 2014
  17. ↑ Creator of Wing Commander, Chris Roberts Untitled Project Teaser Trailer, Gamespot, YouTube, 2 Oct 2012
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Last modified
This page was last edited on 22 December 2024, at 19:48.
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