Exploring Star Citizen: Updates for 2022

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Progress of Stretch Goals
3. The Anvil Gladiator
4. Multiplayer and Dogfighting
5. Additional Flyable Ship: MISC Starfarer
6. Cockpit Decorations and Ship Boarding
7. Bubble Heads and the Star Citizen Package
8. More Flyable Ships: Aegis Retaliator and Idris Corvette
9. Enhanced Community Updates and 40 Star Systems
10. Enhanced Boarding Options and Increased Ship Customization
11. Increased Alpha Test and Server Expansion
12. Salvage Mechanics and Professional Sound Studios
13. Star Citizen Webcasts and Celebrity Voice Acting
14. Expanded Missions and Additional Base Tabs
15. First Person Combat and Enhanced Capital Ship Systems
16. Legendary Record Breaker Skin and Bengal Carrier
17. Exclusive Star Citizen for Pre-launch Backers and Mod Tools
18. Professional Motion Capture and UFO with Jane's Fighting Ship Style Manual
19. Enhanced Alpha Test and Cross-Chassis Upgrades
20. Information Runner: Aegis Herald and Alien Languages
21. The Hadisson Artifact and Stellar Cartography
22. Upgraded Scanning Software and Ballistic Gatlings
23. Crusader Industries Starliner and Vanguard
24. Genesis Starliner and MISC Endeavor
25. Crucible and Reliant
26. Pet Companion System and Ship Modularity

Article: The Journey of Star Citizen's Stretch Goals

Star Citizen, a highly ambitious space simulation game developed by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), has captivated the imaginations of gamers and sci-fi enthusiasts around the world. Since its inception in 2012, the game has undergone a remarkable Journey of development and progress, driven by the support and funding of its dedicated community of backers. One of the key elements that has contributed to the success of Star Citizen is its unique stretch goals system. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the journey of Star Citizen's stretch goals, examining the progress made on each goal and the impact they have had on the development of the game.

1. Introduction

Star Citizen's stretch goals were a series of funding milestones that, when achieved, unlocked new features, ships, and gameplay mechanics in the game. These goals were announced during the game's crowdfunding campaign and served as a way to incentivize backers to contribute more to the development of the game. As the funding surpassed each goal, Cloud Imperium Games committed to incorporating the promised features into the final game.

2. Progress of Stretch Goals

The journey of Star Citizen's stretch goals began on a promising note, with the first goal of $2.5 million being reached on December 31, 2012. This unlocked the Anvil Gladiator, a flyable ship that, although not the best in its class, still holds its own in combat. The subsequent goals saw the inclusion of features such as multiplayer and dogfighting modules, additional flyable ships including the MISC Starfarer and Aegis Retaliator, cockpit decorations, ship boarding mechanics, and more.

However, as the game's development progressed, some stretch goals faced challenges and delays. While many goals have been completed, there are still a few that remain in progress or have become unknown due to the lack of updates from Cloud Imperium Games. Let's take a closer look at the major milestones along the way.

3. The Anvil Gladiator

The Anvil Gladiator was the first stretch goal achieved in Star Citizen's crowdfunding campaign. With this milestone, backers were rewarded with a flyable ship that added a new dimension to the game's combat mechanics. While not the most powerful ship in the game, the Anvil Gladiator still serves its purpose as a versatile bomber in squadron missions and adds depth to the overall gameplay experience.

4. Multiplayer and Dogfighting

One of the most eagerly anticipated stretch goals was the inclusion of multiplayer and dogfighting modules. With this achievement, backers gained access to a dedicated multiplayer mode where they could engage in exhilarating dogfights with other players. This module served as a foundation for the game's combat mechanics, providing players with a taste of the intense battles that awaited them in the vast Universe of Star Citizen. The dogfighting module allowed players to test their piloting skills and refine their combat strategies.

5. Additional Flyable Ship: MISC Starfarer

As the crowdfunding campaign continued, the funding surpassed the goal of $3.25 million, unlocking the MISC Starfarer as a flyable ship. The Starfarer, a massive refueling and Cargo hauler, became available for players to pilot and play a crucial role in the logistics of the game. This ship not only added depth to the gameplay but also introduced new gameplay mechanics such as ship-to-ship refueling, further expanding the possibilities within Star Citizen's universe.

6. Cockpit Decorations and Ship Boarding

One of the stretch goals that appealed to many players was the introduction of cockpit decorations and ship boarding mechanics. With this milestone, players could transform their stock cockpits into personalized spaces, showcasing their personal style and adding a touch of individuality to their ships. Additionally, ship boarding mechanics allowed players to engage in fierce close-quarters combat, raiding enemy vessels and seizing control. While these mechanics are still in development and require further refinement, they hold immense potential for immersive and exciting gameplay in the future.

7. Bubble Heads and the Star Citizen Package

The introduction of "bubble heads" was a contentious stretch goal that generated mixed reactions among the community. Bubble heads were essentially novelty items that players could display in their cockpits, including quirky items like photographs, dice, and dinosaur figurines. While some players appreciated these comical additions, others felt that they detracted from the immersive and serious nature of the game. Cloud Imperium Games took note of the feedback and has since shifted their focus to more substantial features and gameplay mechanics.

8. More Flyable Ships: Aegis Retaliator and Idris Corvette

The funding for Star Citizen continued to soar, unlocking more flyable ships for players to enjoy. The Aegis Retaliator, a heavy bomber designed for strategic strikes, and the Idris Corvette, a massive capital ship serving as a mobile operations center, were both added to the game's lineup. These ships brought new layers of gameplay complexity and strategic opportunities, allowing players to take on different roles and engage in large-Scale battles. The inclusion of these powerful vessels expanded the possibilities in Star Citizen's universe and provided players with awe-inspiring experiences.

9. Enhanced Community Updates and 40 Star Systems

As the funding surpassed $4 million, Cloud Imperium Games committed to providing enhanced community updates and expanding the game's universe to include 40 star systems at launch. Regular community updates became a cornerstone of communication between the developers and backers, ensuring that players were kept informed about the progress and direction of the game. The promise of 40 star systems provided players with limitless exploration opportunities, each with its distinct characteristics, resources, and challenges.

10. Enhanced Boarding Options and Increased Ship Customization

To cater to the desires of players who wanted more nuanced gameplay options, Cloud Imperium Games introduced enhanced boarding options and increased ship customization. These features would allow players to conduct boarding operations more effectively, disabling ships, using cutting tools to breach hulls, and seizing control of enemy vessels. Ship customization, on the other HAND, would enable players to tailor their ships' appearance and functionality to suit their preferences and playstyles. While these features are still being refined, they hold great promise for diversifying gameplay experiences.

11. Increased Alpha Test and Server Expansion

As the game's development progressed, Cloud Imperium Games recognized the importance of conducting a thorough alpha test. With the funding goal of $5 million, they committed to expanding the alpha test to ensure a more extensive examination of the game mechanics and infrastructure. This expansion involved the establishment of servers in North America, Europe, and Australia, providing players from different regions with optimal experiences and lowering latency. The increased alpha test allowed for a more refined and polished gameplay experience, addressing issues and gathering feedback from the testers.

12. Salvage Mechanics and Professional Sound Studios

Salvage mechanics have been a highly anticipated feature in Star Citizen, allowing players to scavenge and repurpose wreckage and valuable resources. This stretch goal, achieved at $6 million in funding, paved the way for the development of an intricate salvage system that would add depth and emergent gameplay opportunities. While salvage mechanics have taken some time to reach fruition, Cloud Imperium Games has made progress, with the system Slated to arrive in the future.

In addition to gameplay mechanics, Cloud Imperium Games recognized the importance of high-quality sound design in creating an immersive and immersive experience. With the funding goal of $8 million, they committed to establishing professional sound studios that would provide cutting-edge audio and voice talent for the game's cinematics and in-game content. This commitment has been evident in the game's exceptional sound design quality, contributing to the overall atmosphere and immersion.

13. Star Citizen Webcasts and Celebrity Voice Acting

Cloud Imperium Games aimed to keep the community engaged and informed by introducing Star Citizen webcasts, including town hall discussions with the game's director, Chris Roberts. This stretch goal, achieved at $10 million in funding, allowed fans to take part in the development process, voice their concerns, and gain insights into the game's progress. Additionally, celebrity voice acting was promised, further enhancing the game's immersion and storytelling. This aspect has seen notable success, with renowned actors lending their talents to bring characters to life in both Star Citizen and its single-player counterpart, Squadron 42.

14. Expanded Missions and Additional Base Tabs

To provide players with varied and engaging gameplay experiences, Cloud Imperium Games committed to developing expanded missions and additional base tabs. This stretch goal, achieved at $11 million in funding, aimed to Create a more diverse and dynamic universe for players to explore. The addition of new mission types, such as escort missions and complex multi-stage quests, have further enriched the gameplay experience, ensuring that players always have something new and exciting to embark upon. Base tabs, on the other hand, have increased players' organizational and management capabilities, allowing for more efficient utilization of resources and strategic planning.

15. First Person Combat and Enhanced Capital Ship Systems

One of the most pivotal milestones in Star Citizen's journey was the achievement of the first-person combat stretch goal at $13 million in funding. This unlocked a seamless transition between space combat and on-foot combat, enabling players to engage in intense first-person battles in various environments. This feature allowed for a deeper level of immersion and tactical gameplay, further blurring the line between different gameplay experiences.

In addition, the enhanced capital ship systems stretch goal aimed to make capital ships more interactive and engaging. Features such as firefighting, repair systems, and command and control centers would give players the ability to assume control of the ship and orchestrate battles from within. While progress on this stretch goal has been slower than anticipated, Cloud Imperium Games continues to strive to deliver the promised features, ensuring that capital ships live up to their potential as commanding vessels in the game.

16. Legendary Record Breaker Skin and Bengal Carrier

Star Citizen's stretch goals also provided opportunities for cosmetic additions and unique in-game items. The legendary record breaker skin, achieved at $14 million, introduced a distinctive skin for weapons, allowing players to showcase their support and dedication to the game. The Bengal carrier, one of the most iconic and sought-after ships in Star Citizen, was also introduced as a playable class ship at the $23 million stretch goal. While the Bengal carrier is not currently accessible to players, it remains a highly anticipated addition that will significantly impact gameplay and provide awe-inspiring moments in the future.

17. Exclusive Star Citizen for Pre-launch Backers and Mod Tools

To reward early backers, Cloud Imperium Games introduced the exclusive Star Citizen package for backers who pledged before $23 million. This served as a testament to the loyalty and support of the game's early supporters, ensuring that they would have a unique experience and a special place in the Star Citizen universe. Additionally, the promise of mod tools for the game aimed to allow the community to unleash their creativity and expand the game's potential beyond its original boundaries. However, mod tools have yet to be realized, leaving this stretch goal in progress.

18. Professional Motion Capture and UFO with Jane's Fighting Ship Style Manual

The incorporation of professional motion capture for cutscenes marked a significant step forward in the game's cinematic quality and storytelling. Cloud Imperium Games recognized the importance of realistic character animations and performances in creating an immersive narrative experience for players. The UFO with Jane's Fighting Ship Style Manual stretch goal added an interesting twist to Star Citizen's Lore, introducing a mysterious artifact within the game world. While it remains a tantalizing mystery, the execution of this stretch goal is yet to be fully realized.

19. Enhanced Alpha Test and Cross-Chassis Upgrades

The stretch goal of an enhanced alpha test aimed to provide players with a more extensive and robust testing environment. This involved expanding the alpha test to include more regions and servers, ensuring that players worldwide could contribute to the development process and provide valuable feedback. Cross-chassis upgrades allowed players to customize and modify their ships, offering flexibility and customization options to suit their preferences and playstyles. While the alpha test has seen substantial improvements, cross-chassis upgrades have fallen behind schedule, leaving this stretch goal partially completed.

20. Information Runner: Aegis Herald and Alien Languages

The Aegis Herald, an information running ship, brought a unique gameplay role to Star Citizen at the $48 million stretch goal. This ship allowed players to transport sensitive data and escape dangerous situations, highlighting the importance of information and espionage in the game's universe. In addition, the introduction of alien languages laid the foundation for immersive interactions with alien species. The development of these languages brought richness and depth to the game's lore and added an extra layer of authenticity to the universe.

21. The Haddishan Artifact and Stellar Cartography

The Haddishan Artifact stretch goal introduced players to the intriguing mystery of the Haddishan civilization and their devastating civil war. This milestone rewarded backers with an exclusive artifact that sparked their Curiosity and added to the game's lore. Alongside the artifact, Stellar Cartography was introduced as a web-Based known universe map, providing players with an interactive tool to explore and navigate the vast universe of Star Citizen. However, the Current state of the Stellar Cartography system remains unknown, leaving this stretch goal in a state of ambiguity.

22. Updating Scanning Software and Ballistic Gatlings

The updating of scanning software provided players with enhanced sensors and detection capabilities, allowing for more efficient exploration and improved situational awareness. This stretch goal augmented the gameplay experience, enhancing the Sense of discovery and the thrill of uncovering Hidden secrets. Additionally, the inclusion of ballistic gatlings expanded the arsenal of available weapons, providing players with powerful and devastating alternatives. These stretch goals were successfully achieved and implemented in the game.

23. Crusader Industries Starliner and Vanguard

The Crusader Industries Starliner and Aegis Vanguard stretch goals added new ships to the game's lineup, further expanding the available options for players. The Crusader Industries Starliner, a colossal transporter capable of ferrying large numbers of passengers, offered a unique gameplay role centered around transportation and logistics. On the other hand, the Aegis Vanguard introduced a heavy fighter focused on long-range engagements, appealing to players seeking a robust combat-oriented ship. Both ships have been implemented in the game and have garnered a dedicated following among players.

24. Genesis Starliner and MISC Endeavor

The Genesis Starliner, another major stretch goal, promised players the opportunity to operate a passenger liner, taking on the role of a pilot responsible for the safe transport of travelers across the vast expanse of the Star Citizen universe. While further progress is needed to deliver on this promise, Cloud Imperium Games has expressed their commitment to realizing the potential of the Genesis Starliner and is actively working on it.

Similarly, the MISC Endeavor, a sprawling multi-role research vessel, is slated for future development and implementation. This ship aims to offer players an immersive and diverse gameplay experience, providing opportunities for scientific exploration, medical research, and various other research activities. While progress on the MISC Endeavor is yet to be realized, its inclusion holds immense potential for expanding gameplay horizons and interacting with the Star Citizen universe in unique and Meaningful ways.

25. Crucible and Reliant

Two additional ships that have been realized in Star Citizen are the Aegis Crucible and MISC Reliant. The Crucible, a ship dedicated to repair operations, offers players the opportunity to undertake crucial support roles within the game. Whether salvaging damaged ships or tending to the repair needs of fellow players, the Crucible fills an important niche in the game's universe. The MISC Reliant, on the other hand, is a versatile spacecraft that can perform a range of tasks, making it a popular choice for players seeking a multi-role ship. Both of these ships have been implemented and contribute to the diverse and dynamic gameplay experience in Star Citizen.

26. Pet Companion System and Ship Modularity

Two highly anticipated stretch goals that have yet to be fully realized are the pet companion system and ship modularity. The pet companion system aims to introduce faithful animal companions to the game, allowing players to experience a deeper sense of connection and companionship during their adventures. While there have been occasional updates on this feature, it remains a work in progress.

Ship modularity, the ability to customize and upgrade ships with various equipment and technologies, allows players to tailor their vessels to specific roles and playstyles. This highly awaited feature promises to expand gameplay options and offer increased flexibility for players. However, ship modularity is still in development and requires further refinement to meet the high expectations of the community.

In conclusion, the journey of Star Citizen's stretch goals has been a testament to the dedication and passion of both the development team and the game's backers. While some goals have been completed and incorporated into the game, others are still in progress or face challenges and delays. However, it is the ongoing support and commitment of the community that drives the development forward, ensuring that the ambitious vision of Star Citizen continues to evolve and Shape the future of space exploration gaming.