A player has sued to get back his $4500 that he has invested in Star Citizen over the years. But that will not happen. The court sides with the developer CIG.
$4500 and no longer willing to wait: A few weeks ago, the fate of a player went around the world. The player’s reddit name is “firefly212” and he is tired of waiting. He has invested $4500 in Star Citizen over the years. Back then, he thought Chris Roberts and his team would develop a small spaceship simulation and finish it in the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Star Citizen has become a bona fide space MMO. It may take years before it can really be played with all the promised features.
The player is running out of time: Firefly212 suffers from multiple sclerosis. He fears that when Star Citizen is eventually released, he will not be able to play it because he will no longer be physically able to do so. The player requested a refund from CIG, wanting his money back. However, he did not receive it.
Much attention: The original thread on reddit has received over 1500 comments and 1700 upvotes. In the meantime, the player has been excluded from the circle of “Evocati,” the chosen ones, although CIG still keeps his money, as MassivelyOP reports.
The policy of CIG: Currently, CIG’s refund policy states that they refund backers’ money within 30 days. After that, CIG decides on a case-by-case basis. Previously, CIG refunded money for up to a year and a half, but a change in the service conditions in mid-2016 established the new 30-day rule.
Judge rules in favor of Star Citizen
Court approach fails: The player has now tried to take CIG to court, but was dismissed in the first instance (via reddit). He lost his case in a “small claims court.” The judge ruled in favor of Star Citizen. It mainly concerned whether the amendment to the Terms of Service two years ago also applies retroactively.
The plaintiff says he is not disappointed: He asked the court several things and he received his answers.
Praise for taking the court route: Despite the disappointing outcome, Firefly212 receives praise from critics of the game for having taken the matter to court.
