The monetization of Star Citizen continually causes frustration among gamers. A prominent example shows why.
What is the status of Star Citizen? The sci-fi MMO Star Citizen is still in development almost 14 years after its Kickstarter launch. Furthermore, the release date for the title is still missing. At least the single-player spin-off Squadron 42 is said to be almost finished.
At the same time, fans of the title report ongoing significant progress being made by the developers, and that the game is really advancing at this time.
It has to, because the developers have raised one billion US dollars since launch, which is also fueling calls for a “scam”. The criticism of the monetization is exemplified by a prominent case.
Here you can watch a trailer:
5,000 dollars for an unfinished spaceship
What is this example? Although one might think that the developers should be able to finish their game with the budget for 3–5 AAA titles, there is currently a new controversy.
The developers are selling the exclusive spaceship Anvil Odin. The 762-meter long battlecruiser not only has 20 vertical missiles, 15 manned turrets, 8 remote-controlled turrets, and 42 point defenses, but also a massive laser beam.
Moreover, the model has its own hangar, which accommodates small ships. There is also a canteen, a medical wing, and a dedicated tram system in the spaceship.
What reads like every spaceship fan’s dream, the developers are also proudly charging for. The part costs a staggering 5,000 US dollars (approximately 4,300 euros, as of May 26, 2026).
What is the problem? You not only have to pay a hefty sum, but it is also not even finished. The developers are selling the ship as a “Vehicle Concept Pledge”, which means “the vehicle is in development but not yet playable in Star Citizen” and will be available in a “later patch”.
Even if this would not matter to you as a player, you cannot just buy it. First, you must qualify to acquire the ship. For that, you need to join the Odin Founders Club. You provide a written application explaining why you want to join.
If you are accepted into the club, you still pay a fee and receive the rental vehicle Aegis Idris-P until the Anvil Odin is completed.
Such examples of artificial scarcity of goods, high prices, and the still unfinished game after a long time and significant fundraising efforts are causing ongoing criticism of Star Citizen.
Star Citizen continues to advance despite the criticism, and no one is obligated to purchase the title, but when the title will finally leave the Early Access status is still uncertain. You can find out more about Star Citizen here: Star Citizen has now raised 1 billion dollars, but instead of a release, there are only two unfinished games
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