And to think, people said space combat simulations were dead. Wing Commander creator Chris Roberts continues to defy expectations together with his return to the genre, Star Citizen. The cash keeps pouring in for this crowdfunded project, which just crossed the $21 million mark.

Thanks to reaching this stretch goal, the team at Robert Space Industries is increasing the scope of salvaging to make it an entire-fledged career path on par with exploration and piracy. If it reaches the $22 million mark, the studio will integrate facial capture recognition to take advantage of for populating its worlds.

Star Citizen is anticipated to unveil its persistent universe in late 2014, with several modular releases planned within the interim. Do not be surprised if this release window widens somewhat because the team continues so as to add new features. You may learn more in regards to the project in our lengthy interview with Chris Roberts. To work out how much progress the studio has made this past year, visit their homepage on Thursday to observe a livestream featuring many of the latest additions to the ambitious project. 

Our Take
Much just like the adventure genre, it’s nice to determine space combat simulators get a brand new lease on life due to crowd funding. Now the onus is on Chris Roberts and team to live as much as the lofty expectations of these who’ve longed to play this kind of game again.