Cloud Imperium Games Out of Money: A Detailed Look

Cloud Imperium Games, a company known for its ambitious space simulation game Star Citizen, has been facing financial troubles. This article delves into the various aspects of the company’s financial situation, its impact on the game development, and the potential consequences for both the company and its community.

Background of Cloud Imperium Games

Established in 2012 by Chris Roberts, a renowned game developer, Cloud Imperium Games set out to create Star Citizen, a game that promised to revolutionize the space simulation genre. The game was developed using the crowdfunding model, where players could purchase “ships” and other in-game items, contributing to the game’s development.

The Crowdfunding Model

Star Citizen’s crowdfunding campaign was unprecedented, raising over $200 million from over 2 million backers. This model allowed Cloud Imperium Games to finance the development of the game without relying on traditional publishers. However, it also meant that the company had to deliver on its promises to the backers, which included regular updates and new features.

Financial Troubles

Despite the success of the crowdfunding campaign, Cloud Imperium Games has been facing financial difficulties. According to a report by Kotaku, the company has been struggling to meet its payroll and has laid off a significant number of employees. This has raised concerns about the future of Star Citizen and its development.

Impact on Game Development

The financial troubles have had a direct impact on the development of Star Citizen. The game has been delayed multiple times, and some features have been scaled back or removed altogether. This has led to frustration among the community, who have been eagerly waiting for the game to be released.

Feature	Original Release Date	Current Status
Space Combat	2014	Partially implemented
Multiplayer	2015	Delayed
Planetary Exploration	2016	Cancelled

Community Reactions

The community of Star Citizen has been divided over the company’s financial troubles. Some backers are frustrated and have called for a refund, while others remain loyal and supportive of the game’s development. The situation has sparked discussions about the ethics of crowdfunding and the responsibilities of developers towards their backers.

Legal Issues

In addition to the financial troubles, Cloud Imperium Games has also been facing legal issues. The company has been sued by a former employee, who claimed that the company failed to pay him for his work. This lawsuit has raised further concerns about the company’s financial stability and its ability to continue developing Star Citizen.

Future Prospects

The future of Cloud Imperium Games and Star Citizen remains uncertain. The company has been trying to secure additional funding to keep the game’s development going, but it remains to be seen if they will be successful. The community’s support and the company’s ability to manage its finances will play a crucial role in determining the game’s future.

In conclusion, Cloud Imperium Games’ financial troubles have raised concerns about the future of Star Citizen. The company’s ability to overcome these challenges and deliver on its promises to the community will be crucial in determining the game’s success. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how both the company and its backers navigate this difficult period.