The highly anticipated single-player Star Citizen spin-off, Squadron 42, has been pushed back to Q2 2027. This news comes directly from Cloud Imperium Games CEO Chris Roberts, who cited the impending release of Grand Theft Auto 6 as a key factor in the decision.
The GTA 6 Effect
In a recent blog post, Roberts explained that launching Squadron 42 during the same period as GTA 6 would be detrimental to its success. He acknowledged that while GTA 6 isn’t slated for a PC release this November, the overwhelming media attention and content creator focus will likely overshadow any other game launch.
“At CitizenCon 2024, we announced a 2026 release. Our plan was Q4, around IAE,” Roberts stated. “But there’s no way I want to launch my spiritual successor to Wing Commander, a game with twelve years of blood, sweat, and tears (development started in 2014, following the opening of studios, hiring, and the Hangar module for Star Citizen), into the attention buzzsaw of GTA 6.”
Preview Plans and Future Dates
To mitigate this issue, CIG will be conducting previews of Squadron 42 with content creators and early backers in October. This event will serve as an opportunity to announce more concrete release plans shortly thereafter. While Q2 places the launch sometime during the spring, it remains subject to change.
A Decade in the Making
Squadron 42 has been in development for over a decade, almost as long as Star Citizen itself. The game boasts an ambitious story and gameplay experience, along with an incredibly impressive cast including Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, Henry Cavill, Andy Serkis, Ben Mendelsohn, and Mark Strong.
Squadron 42 – Official Gameplay Reveal | CitizenCon 2954
Budget and Comparisons
Roberts has previously stated that he hopes Squadron 42’s release will be as big of an event as GTA 6, noting its massive budget. Star Citizen crossed the $1 billion mark earlier this year when it comes to funding, placing it among the most expensive games ever made.
Recent Controversy and Star Citizen’s Future
This delay announcement follows a recent controversy surrounding Star Citizen itself. After early access players reported bugs and issues with a new update, developers held a stream to showcase the “intended” experience, only to be met with the same problems. This led to uncomfortable tension and raised further questions about Star Citizen’s eventual release.
Star Citizen itself remains without a release window.
Source: IGN
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