Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) may want to finish the PC version of the game first, but it appears that the studio is bringing it to consoles.
CIG is looking for cinematic animators in two of its five global offices, in Frankfurt and Manchester. Applicants must have experience developing for current and next-gen consoles. Fans have interpreted this as a possible indication that CIG might bring Star Citizen, or at least its single-player campaign, Squadron 42, to the PlayStation 5 and/or Xbox Series.
“As a cinematic animator, you will be part of a team of animators and cinematic designers dedicated to bringing the performances of some of the best actors in the industry to life and tying them into the Squadron 42 narrative. You’ll develop scenes with multiple branching options, deep and emotional narratives, and exciting action. Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge video games that defy expectations. We’re currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space simulation game, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Professional experience in game animation development is required, ideally on current/next-gen consoles,” the job listing says.
CIG has not yet announced any console port. In fact, the two games have proudly been developed exclusively for PC from the start! Chris Roberts, the head of CIG, has openly stated that this incredibly ambitious project can only be realized on the PC platform. However, we must recognize that a significant amount of time has passed since the early days, and the PlayStation 6 and next-gen Xbox may now be in the company’s sights. These could arrive around 2027–2028, and a release on these platforms could be realistic.
After many years in development, Squadron 42 received a release window of 2026 at the most recent CitizenCon event, alongside new gameplay footage. The campaign will feature renowned actors such as Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, Mark Strong, Henry Cavill, Ben Mendelsohn, Andy Serkis, John Rhys-Davies, Liam Cunningham, and Gillian Anderson. Just a few days ago, we also learned that CIG recently lost some of its server mesh experts. According to CIG, this technology is crucial for enabling jump points in the game and ensuring seamless star system transitions in and out of memory, without loading screens.
However, this is starting to look like a colossal mistake by CIG for being so ambitious. If Star Citizen is released half-finished, it will be a major setback…
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