A recent report by Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming sheds light on the troubling state of Star Citizen’s development at Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), led by founder Chris Roberts. Known for his unwavering commitment to the project, Roberts has faced scrutiny over the treatment of his employees, and the latest revelations paint a grim picture.
Workplace Dynamics and Financial Strain
As of October, CIG intended to implement a new work mandate requiring employees to clock in eight hours a day for 19 consecutive days. Following employee concerns regarding the legality of this policy, the terms were adjusted to allow Sundays off, provided staff worked 56 hours during the rest of the week. This shift highlights the ongoing tension between management and staff.
Financially, CIG has been operating at an average annual expenditure of 0 million, with many developers expressing concerns that these funds are dwindling. The company has recently laid off between 100 to 150 employees across its Austin and Los Angeles offices, while wage increases for remaining staff have been frozen. This has left some employees struggling to make ends meet, despite their full-time status, as they observe the company’s lavish spending on high-end office architecture and on-call barista services.
Development Challenges and Management Style
Roberts’ penchant for micromanagement has been a longstanding issue, with reports indicating that his focus on minute details continues to impede progress. This pattern of control is not unique to CIG; it appears to reflect a broader trend within the gaming industry, as evidenced by similar issues at other studios like Bungie.
Another significant hurdle is the development of Star Engine, CIG’s customized version of CryEngine. Developers describe it as a “Frankenstein” creation, plagued by inconsistent functionality and a constant flux of added and removed features. The high attrition rate at CIG has further exacerbated these challenges, leading to a work environment described by one employee as “cult-like,” where dissent is discouraged.
Future Prospects and Upcoming Events
Despite these setbacks, CIG is exploring new funding avenues. While the company previously claimed that Squadron 42 was feature complete, it appears that significant progress has only recently been made. Currently, Squadron 42 is positioned as the first product slated for release, with hopes that its sales will provide necessary funding for future projects. Additionally, there are plans to expand Squadron 42 into a series of games.
Looking ahead, CIG intends to reintroduce the sale of premium ships and may even venture into a new medieval fantasy game, which could diverge from the commitments made to their crowdfunding backers. This news comes just before CitizenCon, scheduled for October 19 and 20, where CIG is expected to showcase a demo of Squadron 42 Chapter 1.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for backers and the gaming community to hold Chris Roberts and CIG accountable for these developments. If Star Citizen truly stands at a critical juncture, it may be time for Roberts and his team to confront the reality of their circumstances.
