NEWS

'Cloud Imperium' revealed by Chris Roberts


Wing Commander creator Chris Roberts has revealed his latest title, Cloud Imperium, after a 10 year absence.

A message written by Roberts was revealed after a countdown struck zero on his website stating that he had an overwhelming desire to return to gaming and that his new title would officially be unveiled on October 10.

Here's what Roberts' message stated

Welcome!

If you’ve made it here, you probably know who I am. Maybe you have heard of Wing Commander and its sequels, or perhaps Strike Commander, Privateer or Freelancer.

If not, you’re still welcome!

I grew up making video games. I sold my first game at the age of 13 and created Wing Commander when I was 21. But 10 years ago, at the height of my career I took a break. Not because I stopped loving or playing games but because I had become frustrated with the limits of the technology at the time to realize my vision.

I decided to pursue my desire to create detailed worlds and tell sophisticated stories in film. I always said the moment I became interested in making games again was when I was going to come back.

With the power of today’s computers and the reach of the internet I finally feel I have the tools to build the connected experience that I always dreamed of. A world that would be more satisfying and richer than any film I could work on.

With films you tell stories but with games you create worlds.

If you’ve played my games, you’ll know that’s what I love to do.

I’m here to tell you that I have been working on something for just under a year, something that embraces everything that my past games stood for but takes it to the next level.

I hope you’ll be as excited by it as I am.

My new endeavor is still in its early stages but I invite you to take the journey with me. If you register below you’ll become an insider that will not only give you early access to the game’s website and forums, but you will also get the opportunity for rewards and privileges that no one else will get. It’s my way of showing how important your early involvement and support is.

The full announcement will be at 10am Eastern Standard Time (UTC -5) on the 10th day of the 10th month of this year.

My name is Chris Roberts.

And if you would indulge me I would like to create a world for you.

The important part is “I finally feel I have the tools to build the connected experience that I always dreamed of.” Freelancer had multiplayer, but it was a temperamental, limited thing, clearly aiming at something far higher, but not nearly capable of reaching it. Now the infrastructure is in place, and the power is there, for Roberts to pursue something far more ambitious.

I’m just glad there’s going to be something happening with the space simulation genre again. After the brilliant swan song of Freespace 2, I was worried it might have died off forever. Welcome back, Mr Roberts.
We'll keep you updated on this one.