Summary
Developer Cloud Imperium Games has confirmed that the impending update for its long-in-development MMO space simulatorStar Citizenwill include a full wipe of players' in-game acquisitions and stats.Star Citizen, which has undergone full wipes before, will still be in alpha after the new 4.0 release is implemented.
In development for over a decade, even after raising more than $700 million in crowdfunding and private investment,Star Citizenhas drawn heavy criticism for its elusive release schedule, revocation of content promises, and extensive delays. Initially intended to launch in 2014, the ever-expanding ambitions of the game have been outmatched only byStar Citizen’s continually swelling coffers. The core elements of the game currently available to players constitute the Persistent Universe, which continues to receive updates and patches.
As described in itsforum post, Cloud Imperium’s newStar Citizenupdate will reset all three pillars of what it calls Long Term Persistence. This includes clearing player Reputation, Wallets, and Items. The reset will pave the way for cleaner data gathering as major updates to missions, guilds, the economy, and more are rolled out and adjusted. Also included is the launch of the new Pyro star system, the second system addition to the Persistent Universe. Purchased items and other account-bound pledges and rewards will not be removed.
Full Star Citizen Release Remains Elusive
The announcement hints at “upcoming major updates” beyond the 4.0 update, which would affect a variety of systems in the game. With native animals added earlier in 2024, andmonster huntingteased at a recent event, there would seem to be a significant amount of content to look forward to.
While the game was last wiped with 2022’s alpha 3.18.1, the developer claims these kinds of wipes will be less frequent after 4.0, possibly indicating momentum toward a final release. Despite this, no date has been given for the full launch of either the MMO portion of the game or theSquadron 42single-player campaign. The unpredictability of the development cycle might make some players wary of shelling out a minimum of $45 to play a game that will occasionally reset character statistics and earnings. As an antidote,Star Citizenhosts regular events, which show off new ships and allow players free access to the game for two weeks.
Recent layoffs at Cloud Imperiumaside, the game’s development continues to progress, with refinements and additions to the Persistent Universe giving players a sense of the game they’ve been waiting for. At this rate, the developers may eventually deliver the massive experience first promised to backers in 2012.
