Star Citizen Faces Layoffs and a Growing Budget Amid Ongoing Development
Insider Gaming reports that Cloud Imperium Games has entered another wave of staffing cuts, with leadership describing ongoing construction while workers were dismissed after overtime work ended. Several people familiar with the matter say some employees were terminated without severance or any public appreciation from the studio. Insider Gaming confirmed this through internal sources within the company. (Insider Gaming)
One developer described the latest layoffs, saying many workers who had given long hours were let go in recent days, without compensation or recognition. Insider Gaming confirmed this account through internal sources inside the company. (Insider Gaming, internal sources)
This is not the first round of job cuts for Cloud Imperium Games. Earlier this year the studio ended contracts with hundreds of staff, and a number of workers were required to sign non-disclosure agreements to keep details from spreading. (Insider Gaming)
Meanwhile, Star Citizen’s budget has climbed to about 750 million, a figure cited by observers as evidence of a sprawling development bill. The numbers continue to grow on the official fundraising page, even though a concrete release date remains elusive. (Insider Gaming, official fundraising page)
Earlier, Cloud Imperium Games reaffirmed that Squadron 42, the standalone story campaign, remains scheduled for a 2026 release, a target that has slipped since 2018. Additionally, a free weekend recently ran to invite players to explore the game world without upfront purchase. (Insider Gaming)
Notable staffing events mirror concerns about the stability of projects funded through community contributions. The company has historically relied on a mix of full-time staff and contractors to pursue a large, evolving universe, with timing and scope often shifting as development progresses. Industry observers note that this pattern can reflect broader trends in crowdfunded ventures based in North America, where ambitious scope meets long development cycles and urgent staffing realities. (Insider Gaming)
Backers and analysts continue to watch closely for transparency and clearer roadmaps, as the studio emphasizes ongoing fundraising and the expansion of Star Citizen’s universe. Community sentiment remains mixed, with excitement about new content tempered by questions about timelines and execution. (Insider Gaming)
Despite the ups and downs, Star Citizen persists as a high-profile project in the North American gaming landscape, where big ambitions meet the practical challenges of staffing, budgeting, and scheduling. The ongoing fundraising momentum and the promise of future chapters keep the conversation alive among players in Canada and the United States alike. (Insider Gaming)