A leaked report reveals that Cloud Imperium Games is in advanced talks to acquire the Elite Dangerous IP from Frontier Developments, with plans to involve Elite co-creator David Braben and introduce new features like ship interiors. While fans are concerned about potential high pricing changes under Cloud Imperium’s monetization model, there is also discussion about community crowdfunding to keep the franchise independent.
The video discusses a leaked report suggesting that Cloud Imperium Games, the developer behind Star Citizen, is in advanced talks to acquire the Elite Dangerous intellectual property (IP) from Frontier Developments. Frontier, having shifted its focus towards creative management simulation games under new CEO Jo Cook, may find maintaining the decade-old Elite franchise challenging within its current portfolio. The potential deal reportedly includes David Braben, co-creator of Elite, remaining involved as a creative consultant within Cloud Imperium.
Cloud Imperium has already begun hiring staff in its Manchester office to take over roles currently handled by Frontier’s team in Cambridge, indicating serious intent to manage the Elite franchise. However, details about the financial aspects of the deal remain undisclosed, with speculation placing the value of the Elite Dangerous IP between $20 to $30 million based on estimated earnings and market multiples. The video host suggests that this sum is beyond personal investment capacity but raises the idea of a community-driven crowdfunding campaign to acquire the franchise independently.
A key point of concern for some fans is the difference in monetization models between Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous. Star Citizen is known for selling ships at very high prices, sometimes thousands of dollars, whereas Elite Dangerous ships typically cost between $10 and $30. This raises worries that Cloud Imperium might push for significantly higher prices for Elite ships, potentially alienating the existing player base who are accustomed to a more modest spending model.
On a positive note, the report indicates that Cloud Imperium has promised to introduce ship interiors in Elite Dangerous, a feature successfully implemented in Star Citizen. This could represent a significant enhancement to the Elite experience, potentially justifying some changes and investments. The promise of improved in-game content may be seen as a silver lining amid concerns about the franchise’s future direction under new ownership.
The video ends by inviting viewers to share their opinions on the potential acquisition. It asks whether fans support Cloud Imperium’s takeover and if they would be willing to pay high prices for new ships, or alternatively, if they would consider contributing to a crowdfunding effort to keep Elite Dangerous independent. The host encourages community engagement to shape the future of the beloved space simulation franchise.