Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), developer of Star Citizen and Squadron 42, is a new kind of independent studio dedicated to delivering AAA games outside the established publisher system. Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, CIG is shifting the paradigm of game development towards a more inclusive process, offering its global community an unprecedented level of visibility and engagement by granting ongoing access to a product in active development.
The Star Citizen Ship Showdown is a celebration of galactic proportions, where players around the world vote for their favorite ships and vehicles available to fly or drive in the ‘verse. Community members campaigned for their favorite ships with their own original creations including videos, songs, miniatures, photos, paintings, and more during the Community Call phase of the event that ended Aug. 29. An archive of the best community creations celebrating their favorite ships can be viewed here. The event is now in the Live Showdown phase, where anyone can vote once each day for their favorite participating ships. This stage will conclude on Sept. 15 when the winning vehicle is crowned!
To celebrate this annual celebration, developer CIG welcomes new players with free access to download and play Star Citizen, as well as free access to Ship Showdown’s Elite Eight ships for both new and existing pilots. Players who own any of the final four ships with the most votes can also look forward to additional prizes including exclusive in-game paints and a challenge coin. The winning ship will be commemorated with an in-game model statue which will be granted to all backers for free, regardless of whether they own the ship or not.
The top eight most popular ships for this year’s Star Citizen Ship Showdown include:
Aegis Redeemer: Dotted with turrets and missiles, the Aegis Redeemer is a powerful fighting gunship capable of holding its own in combat with an impressive weapons payload.
Crusader Mercury Star Runner: Built with the same engineering and design principals that has made Crusader the go-to manufacturer for galactic transport on any scale, the Mercury checks all the boxes expected of a dependable courier vessel, and then some.
Origin 600i Explorer: This multi-role luxury vessel from Origin Jumpworks features an exquisitely detailed hull design that balances performance and versatility in a sleek and timeless form.
Anvil Carrack: The iconic multi-crew explorer ready for your next epic adventure.
RSI Scorpius: With an adaptable bi-wing configuration and revolutionary rail-mounted remote turret, the Scorpius offers unprecedented fire coverage, allowing for both defensive and assault-minded applications.
Argo RAFT: Perfect for entry-level haulers and old pros alike, the RAFT is an ideal solution for reliable local freight transport.
Aegis Avenger Titan: With its tried and true combat abilities, the Avenger Titan is a light cargo hauler that’s more than capable of handling itself in a fight.
Anvil C8X Pisces Expedition: Ideal for inter-system travel or investigating tight spots inaccessible to larger ships, the Pisces is a small ship ready for big adventures.
