Star Citizen is a multiplayer, space trading and combat simulation video game currently under development by Cloud Imperium Games for Windows. An extended retry of unrealized plans for Freelancer (2003), Star Citizen is led by director Chris Roberts. The game was announced in 2012 and was followed by a successful Kickstarter campaign which drew over US$2 million. However, after more than a decade in development, no projected date for the end of early access in Star Citizen is currently given.

In 2013, Cloud Imperium Games began releasing parts of the game, known as "modules", to provide players with the opportunity to experience gameplay features prior to release. The "Persistent Universe" module was made available for testing to pre-purchasers in 2015 with Star Citizen being later released in early access in 2017. It continues to receive updates. Star Citizen has garnered considerable criticism during its long production process, both for the lack of a clear date for the end of early access and for the challenges backers have faced in getting a refund after abandoning the project. The launch of the game was originally anticipated for 2014, but has been repeatedly delayed.

After the initial Kickstarter ended, Cloud Imperium Games continued to raise funds through the sale of ships and other in-game content. Star Citizen monetization models have led to further criticism and legal issues for the project. It is noted for being one of the highest-funded crowdfunding projects, having raised over US$170 million by December 2017 when it released in early access. In addition to the initial crowdfunding and later early access sales, marketing is funded through external investment, having received US$63.25 million as of March 2020. As of November 2024, combined crowdfunding and early access sales have reached US$750 million, becoming one of the most expensive video games in the world.