Cloud Imperium Games has announced another delay for Squadron 42, the story-driven single-player component of its ambitious space simulator Star Citizen. The game, which has been in development for over a decade, is now targeting a Q2 2027 release window. This revised schedule is a direct response to the looming launch of Grand Theft Auto VI.
Studio head Chris Roberts explained in a blog post that the decision was made to avoid launching Squadron 42 into the significant media attention surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI. "While GTA6 isn’t launching on PC this November, pretty much all outlets and most content creators will be all over it, not leaving a lot of room for other coverage," Roberts stated. The original plan was to release the game in Q4 of 2026, but the studio has opted to shift the window to accommodate the industry's focus on Rockstar's upcoming title.
Squadron 42 was initially slated for release in 2014, meaning its development cycle will have extended past thirteen years by the time it potentially launches in 2027. The game boasts a notable cast of actors, including Gary Oldman, Gillian Anderson, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, and Henry Cavill.
The developer plans to offer a select group of original backers and content creators early access to Squadron 42 on October 9th and 10th. Further announcements regarding release plans and a specific launch date are expected during this period. The long development and repeated delays have led to skepticism among some observers regarding the project's eventual completion.