If you’ve ever wondered what a spacecraft from Star Citizen would look like in real life, a recent gaming event in Manchester might have the answer.
A life-sized Hornet spacecraft made an appearance at VERSA Studios Manchester as part of an exclusive showcase celebrating Squadron 42, the upcoming single-player adventure from Cloud Imperium Games.
And judging by the scale of the production, the developers certainly weren’t doing things by halves.
The spacecraft, provided by Cloud Imperium Games, formed the centrepiece of an immersive environment designed to bring the world of Squadron 42 off the screen and into reality.
The showcase welcomed gamers and streamers from around the world, alongside a particularly famous guest: Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who also stars in the game.
For anyone unfamiliar with Squadron 42, it’s a cinematic, single-player space adventure set within the same universe as Star Citizen, the ambitious multiplayer project that has developed a huge community of fans.
The upcoming game also features an impressive Hollywood cast, including Gary Oldman, Henry Cavill and Gillian Anderson.
Back in Manchester, VERSA Studios worked closely with Cloud Imperium Games to deliver the showcase, bringing together a production crew of more than 40 people.
Specialist virtual production company Mars Volume was also involved, constructing a huge virtual production screen, described as the largest ever built in Manchester, to display content inspired by the game.
VERSA also co-produced behind-the-scenes filming, including interviews with the developers, with more details to be announced.
Cloud Imperium Games already has strong Manchester connections, including a permanent motion-capture studio at VERSA Studios.
With Squadron 42 expected to arrive in 2027, fans will be keeping a close eye on what comes next.
In the meantime, seeing one of its spacecraft recreated at full size is a pretty impressive way to build excitement.