Could it really be “almost as big as GTA 6”? The second-longest-in-development game in history is now being compared to Rockstar’s open-world giant. Chris Roberts, head of Star Citizen, stressed that Squadron 42 is on track for 2026 and hopes its launch will become a major media event.

Star Citizen remains one of the most ambitious and divisive projects in the gaming world. After more than a decade of development and hundreds of millions raised, Cloud Imperium Games’ space epic still lacks a definitive release date. But Chris Roberts, the project’s director, has shared new insights into its publishing plans and expectations, boldly comparing its eventual arrival to that of one of the most anticipated titles of the decade: GTA 6.

Speaking recently to La Presse, Roberts confirmed that Squadron 42, the single-player campaign of Star Citizen, is aiming for a 2026 release. That would mark 14 years in development—just shy of Duke Nukem Forever’s infamous 15. For a project that has lingered in alpha for years, this would be the first big milestone toward fruition. He didn’t name a specific month but clarified that the plan is to avoid clashing with Grand Theft Auto VI’s May 2026 debut.

Discussing Rockstar’s mammoth production, Roberts didn’t hold back: he expects Squadron 42 to be “almost as big” as GTA 6. “Aside from GTA 6, this is probably the biggest-budget AAA game of the year,” he said, underscoring the project’s scale and the staggering investment behind it. To date, Star Citizen has raised more than $858 million—$800 million of it by April alone.

Star Citizen’s full release will take longer

When it comes to the complete version of Star Citizen, Roberts was far more cautious. Reports suggest a tentative 2027–2028 release window, but without firm commitments. Given the game’s long history of delays and shifting roadmaps, such dates are speculative at best. Still, the insistence on 2026 for Squadron 42 lends at least some confidence to that portion of the project.

Meanwhile, Cloud Imperium Games is keeping its massive community engaged through initiatives like the ongoing “free fly week,” which allows free access to the game until September 2. It’s a chance for both curious newcomers and skeptical veterans to test firsthand where the project stands today—a title that, despite all doubts and controversies, continues to excite millions of players worldwide.

Source: 3djuegos