EXCLUSIVE – Cloud Imperium Games Undergoes Major Shake-Up to Hit Deadlines

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As a seasoned gamer and follower of the gaming industry for over two decades, I’ve seen my fair share of shake-ups within game development studios. However, the recent events at Cloud Imperium Games have left me quite intrigued. Having closely followed Star Citizen’s 12-year journey, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of anticipation and curiosity about what these changes might bring.

Cloud Imperium Games, the company behind Star Citizen and Squadron 42, has restructured its leadership team in order to meet their set deadlines more effectively.

According to confidential sources unwilling to disclose their identities due to company policy restrictions, a number of high-ranking executives have been terminated, while others within the organization have been reassigned to new positions.

Changes initiated earlier this month were made public by CEO Christ Roberts through an internal memo after the company’s annual “Letter from the Chairman” in late November 2024. At that time, Cloud Imperium Games also reduced their workforce, particularly those in the Quality Assurance (QA) department, as part of their restructuring plan.

Currently, it’s been reported that as many as three executives with approximately 25 years of collective tenure at Cloud Imperium Games have recently lost their jobs. It is rumored that official announcements regarding their departures will be made public at an appropriate moment.

In an internal announcement to employees, Chris Roberts said, To achieve this laser focus [of meeting the release of SQ42 and Star Citizen 1.0], it is more important than ever to ensure we have high-performing and efficient teams working throughout the company. In order to achieve this, I have had to make changes to the structure of our teams from the very top of the company and downwards to ensure we have the right people in the right roles, working in person as much as possible from our most critical year yet.”

In discussions with employees, it’s been suggested that the changes are primarily cost-cutting measures rather than a response to deadlines. There’s also chatter around the office about Sandi Gardiner, Chris Roberts’ wife, possibly rejoining the company in a higher position. Sandi Gardiner previously worked at Cloud Imperium Games until May 2019 but remained on the board of directors.

A few months back, TopMob shared a comprehensive update on the current state of Star Citizen’s 12-year development process.

To learn more about the latest updates from TopMob, check out the newly-released gameplay footage by Catly Developers, amidst AI controversy. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay updated!

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2024-12-20 19:17