Star Citizen to be split in single-player and multi-player game

Cloud Imperium Games recently announced it's making a big change to its Star Citizen game, by splitting it into a single-player and a multi-player game. The single-player version of the game will be marketed as Squadron 42 whereas the multi-player version carries on the Star Citizen name.

Current backers will continue to receive both games, but new purchases will have a base price of $45 for either the Aurora starter package (with the persistent universe) or the Squadron 42 single-player campaign. However, once you've purchased the base package, you can add the Squadron 42 single-player campaign or the multi-player version for just $15. This means the current price for the full game is just $60, so it's very much in-line with other AAA game titles.

Why split Squadron 42 and Star Citizen?
When we started Star Citizen’s crowdfunding campaign, the plan was that earlier backers would get a lower price on the Star Citizen starter package than those that backed later. The plan was to first gradually increase the price and then split up various modules for “a la carte options.” This gave backers who joined the project early on and helped get it off the ground an advantage. With the package split, we’re accomplishing this objective without increasing the amount of money needed to join the persistent universe. The ‘package split’ is the first introduction of the anticipated a la carte option: you can pick which part of the game you’re interested in, for now the single player campaign or the persistent universe, and then can choose whether or not to purchase the other module as an add-on.

Are Star Citizen and Squadron 42 still connected?
YES! The package split does not change the fact that Star Citizen and Squadron 42 are part of the same game universe, or the fact that the games are functionally connected. You will access Squadron 42 through the same game client. And your performance in Squadron 42 will still have an impact on your career in the persistent universe, whether you buy both segments together or if you choose to add one further down the line. Finally, you will receive access to Star Citizen’s Arena Commander with the “Squadron 42” pledge to practice your flying skills. We continue to see Squadron 42 and Star Citizen as two modules that make up a larger whole. While we know not everyone enjoys both single and multiplayer games, we would certainly encourage you to try both for the complete Star Citizen experience!

Here is a Star Citizen gameplay trailer from two months ago: