Star Citizen’s community is once again filled with uncertainty after developers hinted that Squadron 42’s scheduled launch might not happen in 2026. Jared Huckaby later clarified that he wasn’t predicting a delay, only admitting that the future is impossible to guarantee.

Star Citizen has built a reputation as one of gaming’s most drawn-out projects, with crowdfunding totals now closing in on an astonishing $865 million. Cloud Imperium Games recently reiterated its goal of launching Squadron 42, the single-player campaign featuring Gary Oldman, Gillian Anderson, and Mark Hamill, in 2026. But a new comment from a senior developer has reignited doubts among fans about whether that deadline can realistically be met.

The comment came from content director Jared Huckaby during a Star Citizen Live broadcast (reported by MassivelyOP), where he announced that “there will be no Squadron 42 presence at CitizenCon Direct,” a two-hour online showcase scheduled for October 11.

“The team is fully focused,” Huckaby explained. “When we committed to 2026, we drew a line in the sand. I can’t say for sure we’ll hit it, only that we’re doing everything possible to get there. That’s why we’re not diverting time to CitizenCon.”

While Huckaby stressed that development is “on track” and that “there’s nothing hidden or mysterious,” fans quickly zeroed in on his less reassuring remark: “I don’t know if we’re going to make it.” As one redditor put it: “If 2026 was really the target, marketing would be underway by now. Skipping CitizenCon sends the opposite message.” Another was blunt: “This is sliding to 2027, I’m almost sure of it.” And a third added wryly: “My five-month-old will be walking and talking before this game launches. I’ll probably teach him WASD before I ever boot it up.”

Huckaby later stepped into the Reddit thread to clarify, insisting he wasn’t hinting at another postponement. “What I said is that I personally can’t tell you what the future holds, and that’s the honest truth for any video game, not just ours. Nobody knows for certain.” He emphasized that his caution shouldn’t be mistaken for commentary on the game’s status, explaining that he strives to communicate plainly and without exaggeration.

Still, the long history of Squadron 42 makes fans skeptical. Originally slated for 2014, it showed nearly complete levels in 2015, was supposed to enter beta by 2020, and was declared “feature complete” in 2023. Now, in 2025, it’s still not on solid ground, and crowdfunding looks set to surpass $900 million before the campaign finally launches—if it ever does in 2026.

If the release slips further, it may not matter: die-hard backers will remain loyal, while the rest of the gaming world continues to watch, bemused, as Star Citizen’s saga drags into yet another year.

Source: PC Gamer