In a move that's raising eyebrows across the gaming community, the ambitious space sim Star Citizen has unveiled its 2023 Legatus Ship pack, priced at an astounding 48,000 USD. Developed by Roberts Space Industries (RSI), Star Citizen, announced in 2012, has been in development for over a decade, attracting over 600 million USD in crowdfunding despite remaining unfinished.
The 2023 Legatus Ship Pack - Screenshot
The 2023 pack, spotted by Tweaktown, follows a series of increasingly expensive yearly releases, jumping from 40,000 USD in 2021 to 42,000 USD in 2022, and now to its current price. It offers access to over 175 ships, along with numerous mods and upgrades. However, this luxury comes with a catch: only members of the Chairman’s Club, accessible after spending over 1,000 USD, can purchase the pack, effectively making it a 49,000 USD investment for new players.
This pricing strategy has sparked debate among gamers, especially considering the unfinished state of Star Citizen. Critics question the value of spending what amounts to an average annual salary on digital content in a game still under development. While the pack might appeal to the game's ardent supporters, it stands as a testament to the complex dynamics of video game financing and the loyalty of hardcore fans in the crowdfunding era.
Source: Kotaku