Squadron 42 Content Director Admits 2026 Launch Isn’t Certain, Fans Worry About Possible Delay

Squadron 42, the long-awaited single-player campaign set in the Star Citizen universe, is still officially targeting a 2026 release, but a recent comment from Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) Content Director Jared Huckaby has sparked new concerns that the game could slip once again.

During the latest Star Citizen Live videocast, Huckaby confirmed that there will be no Squadron 42 presence at this year’s CitizenCon Direct, explaining that the team is fully focused on development rather than preparing presentations. However, his choice of words raised eyebrows:

“We drew a line in the sand when we said 2026. I don’t know that we’re gonna make it; I just know that we’re going to do every single thing possible to make it, and part of that is not taking time for the distraction of CitizenCon.”

The statement immediately set off alarm bells among fans, worried that the project - in development for over a decade - might face another delay.

Following the broadcast, Huckaby clarified his remarks in a forum post, stressing that he was speaking in general terms about the inherent unpredictability of game development. He emphasized that Squadron 42 remains on track for its planned release window, and that his comments were not tied to any specific production issues.

Cloud Imperium Games founder Chris Roberts has previously compared Squadron 42’s ambitions to blockbuster franchises, describing it as a blend of Star Wars and Top Gun. Roberts has even suggested that its release could be a cultural event on par with Rockstar’s upcoming GTA VI, with the potential to become one of the biggest AAA launches of 2026.

Part of that ambition comes from its unprecedented funding model. While Squadron 42’s exact budget isn’t disclosed, its parent project Star Citizen has accumulated over $865 million in crowdfunding, helping bankroll the massive production. The game also boasts a Hollywood-level cast including Gary Oldman, Henry Cavill, Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, Andy Serkis, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Strong, Liam Cunningham, and John Rhys-Davies.

For now, Squadron 42 is still slated for a 2026 release, but Huckaby’s candid acknowledgment of uncertainty underscores just how fluid AAA game development can be — particularly for a project as ambitious and scrutinized as this one.

Do you think Squadron 42 will finally make its 2026 release window, or will it join the list of games pushed back after years of hype?