While developer of Star Citizen Cloud Imperium Games isn’t publicizing it, the developer is in fact refunding players of their space simulation who helped to crowd-fund the title in 2012, Polygon reports.
"We don't publicize it, but when people reach out to us and talk to us in a rational manner, in most cases we've refunded them," Cloud Imperium founder Chris Roberts said in an interview with Polygon. "We don't want people to be part of the project if they're not happy."
While Cloud Imperium is offering refunds on a case-by-case basis, they will not be offering refunds as a policy.
"The terms of the agreement mean we [aren’t required to offer refunds],” Roberts said. “We're developing [the game], so we can't be in a position where we automatically have to refund people's money. That's how we pay salaries. If we can't spend the money we get we can't make the game. We don't want people to get the impression that it is automatic because it is completely discretionary on our part."
So far, 1,269 refunds have been granted with 93 of those being given out since the beginning of July. Cloud Imperium would not offer information on what percentage of refund applications are granted.
"If there are cases where people are really upset, or facing personal hardships, on a case by case basis we take a look and we refund," Roberts said. "We don't want to keep people around. We don't want to fight with them."
Since the conclusion of its 2012 Kickstarter, Star Citizen has faced a high amount of criticism from its backers and an industry veteran, saying the game is unlikely to ever be released.
