Squadron 42 delayed to 2027

Star Citizen developer Cloud Imperium Games has delayed its long-awaited single-player spinoff, Squadron 42, again. Studio head Chris Roberts announced the new release window of Q2 2027, pushing it from a planned Q4 2026 launch.

Roberts explained the decision in a blog post, attributing it directly to the anticipated media frenzy around Grand Theft Auto 6. "At CitizenCon 2024 we announced we would ship in 2026," Roberts stated. "Our plan was to release in Q4 around IAE."

He acknowledged that while GTA 6 is not launching on PC in November, its console release will dominate coverage. Roberts believes this would leave little room for other games to gain attention.

Development Timeline

The delay adds another chapter to Squadron 42's protracted development saga. Originally slated for release in 2014, the game has now been in development for over twelve years. Roberts confirmed development started in 2014 after foundational work on Star Citizen in 2013.

Despite the latest delay, Cloud Imperium is planning a limited playtest for select individuals. According to the blog post, the studio is "allowing a small number of original backers and long-time Star Citizen content creators an opportunity to play Squadron 42 this October 9th and 10th." Further announcements about release plans and a specific date are promised for that period.

Star-Studded Cast

The game features a notable cast of Hollywood actors, a detail highlighted in the source report from Rock Paper Shotgun. The reported lineup includes Gary Oldman, Gillian Anderson, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, and Henry Cavill. Comic actor Eric Wareheim is also listed among the cast.

The source material expresses skepticism about the project's reality, referencing unfulfilled promises from Cloud Imperium Games over the years. It describes the overall Star Citizen endeavor as giving off "pyramid scheme energy." The report frames this latest delay as another example of the developer's history of missed deadlines.

Roberts framed the delay as a strategic move to protect the game's launch. He emphasized the significant investment in the project, calling it a game that has had "twelve years of blood, sweat and tears invested into it." The decision aims to avoid having Squadron 42 overshadowed by one of the most anticipated releases in gaming.

The final detail from the source is the sheer length of the wait. For backers who supported the project at its inception, the journey from a promised 2014 release to a potential 2027 launch spans well over a decade.