The Costliest Game Yet
The world of gaming is no stranger to big budgets, with some games even rivaling the cost of Hollywood blockbusters. But one game has taken the crown for the most expensive funding campaign of all time, and it continues to raise funds despite not being released yet. Star Citizen, which began development in 2010 and opened up to crowdfunding in 2012, has managed to raise over $650 million (£470 million) in the past 11 years.
Introducing the $48k 'Microtransaction'
In a surprising move, the team behind Star Citizen recently announced a new downloadable pack that comes with a jaw-dropping price tag. The Legatus 2953 pack costs a whopping $48k (£38k) and grants players access to a fleet of 175 in-game spaceships. This new add-on is the most expensive package released so far, with previous versions costing $28k. The price hike has left many fans stunned, as the new pack almost doubles the already exorbitant amount.
A Game of Endless Waiting
Despite raising millions in funds, Star Citizen has yet to provide a clear release date for the game. Early backers have grown disillusioned, doubting whether the game will ever see the light of day. While certain parts of the game, known as 'Modules', have been released, they fall far short of the original promises made to backers. Nevertheless, players continue to invest in the game year after year, with the project earning over $100 million (£78 million) in 2023 alone.
The Controversial Appeal of the Legatus Pack
It's unclear exactly how many Legatus packs have been sold, as official figures have not been released. However, the fact that new sets are developed and sold every year suggests that they are generating sales. The appeal of this outrageously expensive package lies in its ability to skip the hundreds of hours of grinding required to gather the necessary materials for a fleet like this. Despite the steep price tag, Star Citizen backers seem willing to pay for the convenience.
If you're interested in more gaming news, be sure to check out the latest buzz about an Xbox game that might be making its way to other platforms.
