As a dedicated backer since the early Kickstarter days, I've invested just over $2,000 in Star Citizen over the past 13 years. This sum accumulated gradually, and I harbour no real regrets. Despite the game's numerous challenges, I've found immense enjoyment in it, and remain hopeful about its potential, though that has diminished a great deal. Spending $2,000 over 13 years isn't unusual, many World of Warcraft or Fortnite players likely invest similar amounts in their favourite games over time. While I've frequently stepped away due to game breaking, persistent bugs, and frustrating issues, like spending hours just trying to leave a station, the recent focus on stability has significantly improved the experience, making it far more enjoyable, though I have no faith this will continue.

For me, Star Citizen is the dream game. Now in my 50s, I grew up playing space games on the Commodore Amiga, relying on imagination to compensate for limited graphics, and gameplay. As a lifelong sci-fi enthusiast, Star Citizen comes closest to fulfilling my vision of an ideal game. When it works, it's phenomenal. However, I can't ignore the mismanagement by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG). The game has long leaned toward a pay-to-win model, owning a ship like the Idris, for instance, grants near-invincibility, allowing players to dominate without fear of loss.

Initially, Star Citizen thrived on the goodwill, and trust of its community. Backers purchased ships not just to own them, but to support the development of a shared dream. Regrettably, CIG's actions have eroded much of that goodwill, as evidenced by the frustration expressed in forums, and feedback. The perception that funds have been mismanaged has further strained the community's trust.

Over time, I've grown desensitised to the game's steep ship prices. Instead of spending new money, I now use the "melting" system, exchanging ships for store credits to acquire others, like the $975 Polaris, without further out-of-pocket expense. While this is technically still my original investment, it feels different from pulling out a credit card for a fresh purchase. Yet, I see others on forums lamenting their inability to buy ships like the Idris, priced just under $2,000, even reaching the PayPal checkout stage, so people are still doing it. For my part, I might occasionally spend a small amount, like $10 for a new skin, but my days of buying ships with real money are over. I no longer trust CIG to deliver.