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Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), developer of Squadron 42 and Star Citizen, brought an exclusive Squadron 42 showcase to VERSA Studios Manchester, building on its established presence in the city. The event was one of Manchester’s major media events of the year, bringing gamers and streamers from around the world to experience the highly anticipated game ahead of its release next year. Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, one of the game’s stars, also attended in October.
VERSA supported CIG in delivering the event and co-produced the behind-the-scenes filming, including interviews with the game’s creators. More details about the filming will be shared soon. More than 40 people worked on the project, with VERSA coordinating the crew, lighting, production design, sound, studio space and other production requirements.
VERSA also brought in specialist virtual production partner Mars Volume, which built the largest virtual production screen ever constructed in Manchester and created immersive content inspired by the game. A life-sized Hornet spacecraft provided by CIG was also part of the environment.
Sandi Roberts, Co-Founder of Cloud Imperium Games, said: “We had a wonderful experience working with VERSA and its teams to bring our event to life.”
The project showcases VERSA Studios Manchester’s capabilities across virtual production, motion capture and wider production services.
Charlie Ingall, Executive Director of VERSA Studios, said: “This project shows how VERSA works as a production partner, bringing together people, technology, facilities and specialist partners across gaming, physical production and virtual production. Working with CIG, our team helped deliver an ambitious event and co-produce the behind-the-scenes filming on a feature-film scale. It’s a strong example of the scale of what can be delivered at VERSA.”
CIG has an established presence at St John’s, the landmark Manchester district developed by Allied London, where it is based in the UK. It also has a permanent motion-capture studio at VERSA Studios Manchester, one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Allied London is the parent company of VERSA Media Group, which operates VERSA Studios in Manchester, Leeds and London.