As "Star Citizen", a highly anticipated space simulation game, nears its full release, one question often asked by both casual and hardcore gamers is whether it's going to break the bank. The answer, as with many things gaming-related, depends on various factors.
To start with, it's important to note that Star Citizen is not just a game; it's a massive universe being developed by Cloud Imperium Games. This comes with a significant price tag, both in terms of development costs and potential rewards for early backers. But is it expensive for the average gamer?
Upfront Costs
Star Citizen follows a unique business model that can make it seem expensive at first glance. The game is crowdfunded, and pledges made towards the project grant access to varying levels of game content, up to and including instantly playable ships.
Indeed, some of the higher-end packages could set you back thousands of dollars. However, these are considered 'wishful thinking' or 'pledges that will never be fulfilled' by many players, and they represent a tiny fraction of the total pledges made.
Base Packages
For those who aren't interested in buying ships, Star Citizen offers a base package called the "Citizen Package" which is free. It includes access to the persistent universe as well as a sleeker, scooped variant of the starter ship, the Mustang Alpha.
Those who want more can upgrade to the "Citizen Pack Extra" for $45. This includes the standard Mustang Alpha, awing and suit package, digital downloads for the game's soundtrack and manual, and commemorative items.
ships and Pledges
A common misconception is that buying ships equates to paying to win. However, ships in Star Citizen are designed to cater to different playstyles rather than provide an advantage. Additionally, all backers will start the game fresh when it fully launches, making ship-based advantages null and void.
Moreover, buying ships also supports the game's development, as the money raised goes back into the production, polishing, and expanding the game world. Viewed this way, purchasing ships can be considered an investment in the game's future.
Ongoing Costs
Once the game is fully released, the business model shifts to a more traditional one. The game will be free-to-play, with monetization coming from optional purchases like larger ships, weapons, and other cosmetics.
Cloud Imperium Games has stated that they want Star Citizen to be accessible to everyone, regardless of how much they can invest. They've also reassured fans that they won't make the game 'pay-to-win', ensuring that progress is earned through gameplay.
Cosmetic Items
While the game will offer the option to purchase cosmetics, these will be strictly decorative in nature. No purchased items will provide any gameplay advantage. This means that while you may look cool, you won't have an edge over other players who've chosen to earn their items through gameplay.
In fact, the game encourages players to be creative with their in-game earnings, with a robust system for customizing ships and equipment. This gives players a reason to engage with the game and its economy.
Subscription Model
The game will also offer a subscription service called "Lifetime Insurance". This optional service grants players a variety of benefits, such as insurance refunds on destroyed ships and a monthly allowance of in-game currency.
However, it's important to note that this is purely optional and not a requirement to play or enjoy the game. Players can choose to opt out of this service if they prefer to earn their rewards through gameplay.
In essence, Star Citizen's pricing model is complex and can seem expensive at first glance. However, it's crucial to understand that the game is aiming to be both accessible and sustainable, ensuring that fun and progression aren't beholden to a player's wallet. So, is Star Citizen expensive? The answer is yes, if you buy into the highest-tier backer packages. But for the majority of players, the game's business model offers a wide range of options that cater to various budgets.