Welcome to the vast universe of Star Citizen! As a new player, you’re about to embark on an exciting journey in a dynamic, ever-evolving game. However, before you dive into the Persistent Universe or take on missions in Squadron 42 (releasing in “2026”), it’s essential to understand the Terms of Service (TOS) set by Roberts Space Industries (RSI), the creators of Star Citizen. These rules govern your interactions with the game, its community, and RSI’s services. This article breaks down the key points of the TOS in a clear and approachable way to help you get started on the right foot.
What Are the RSI Terms?
The TOS is part of the broader “RSI Terms,” which include:
- The Terms of Service (TOS), covering your use of RSI Services like the website (robertsspaceindustries.com), Star Citizen, Squadron 42, and other offerings.
- The End User Licensing Agreement (EULA), which governs your use of the game software.
- The Privacy Policy, detailing how RSI handles your personal data.
- Additional rules in the RSI Knowledge Base under “Rules and Regulations.”
By creating an RSI Account or purchasing items from the RSI Store, you agree to these terms, which are legally binding, much like a signed contract. RSI Services are provided by Roberts Space Industries LLC, a company based in California, USA.
Star Citizen: An Alpha Experience
Star Citizen is currently in its Alpha stage, meaning it’s a work in progress. Here’s what that means for you:
- The game is not complete, and features, content, and technology are still being developed.
- Expect bugs and incomplete features. Updates may introduce work-in-progress elements that will evolve over time.
- Development timelines may shift, and some features may take longer than anticipated.
- RSI offers a 30-day refund policy for pledges, allowing you to test the game and request a refund if it’s not for you.
The Alpha stage is an opportunity to experience the game early and contribute to its development, but it requires patience as RSI works toward the full vision of Star Citizen.
Setting Up Your RSI Account
To access Star Citizen and other RSI Services, you’ll need an RSI Account. Here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility: Only individuals (not companies or organizations) can create an account. You must be an adult or at least the legal age of consent in your jurisdiction.
- Account Responsibilities:
- Provide a valid email address and accurate information.
- Choose a username, handle, or community moniker that isn’t offensive, doesn’t infringe on trademarks, and isn’t already in use.
- You’re responsible for all activity on your account, including by anyone you allow to use it (Your Authorized Users).
- Keep your account credentials secure. RSI will never ask for your password or security question answers.
- Monitor your registered email for important notices about your account.
- Age Restriction: RSI Services are not for children under 13, and RSI does not knowingly collect their data.
- Account Security: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to protect your account. If someone else uses your account improperly due to your failure to secure it, you may face suspension or termination.
Rules of Conduct: Being a Good Citizen
The Star Citizen community is built on mutual respect and enjoyment. The TOS outlines Rules of Conduct to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Here’s a summary of how to behave:
- Respect Others: Avoid harmful, abusive, offensive, or illegal behavior, including:
- Posting or sharing content that’s vulgar, racist, sexually explicit, or otherwise objectionable.
- Harassing, threatening, or doxxing other players or RSI staff.
- Spamming, flooding chat, or disrupting communication channels.
- Stay Legit: Don’t impersonate others, attempt to hack accounts, or use cheats, exploits, or unauthorized software to gain an advantage.
- No Commercial Exploitation: Don’t use the game for commercial purposes, like selling in-game items or services outside RSI’s approved systems (e.g., gifting).
- Consequences: Violations may lead to warnings, suspensions, or account termination, depending on severity. Egregious offenses (e.g., racism, doxxing) can result in immediate suspension. Repeated violations lead to harsher penalties.
Examples of Prohibited Behavior:
- Offensive ship names or community monikers.
- Stream sniping, pad ramming, or exploiting bugs to harass others.
- Using mods or cheats for unfair advantages.
If you encounter misconduct, report it to RSI’s Game Support team with evidence (e.g., screenshots or videos) via the support system. Note that RSI can’t address harassment on third-party platforms like Discord or social media; report those to the respective platform’s moderators.
Virtual Goods: What You’re Pledging For
In Star Citizen, you don’t “buy” in-game items like ships, currency (e.g., aUEC), or gear—you pledge funds to support development and receive a limited license to use these Virtual Goods. Key points:
- Ownership: Virtual Goods remain RSI’s property. You’re granted a license to use them, not ownership.
- Non-Refundable: Virtual Goods can’t be redeemed for real money, except under specific refund conditions (see below).
- Resets: During Alpha, Virtual Goods like in game currency or loot may be reset due to development needs, bugs, or testing phases.
- Gifting Limits: You can gift certain Virtual Goods to other players, but only once per item, and gifts over $1,000 USD are restricted due to financial regulations. Avoid third-party “grey” markets, as they’re prone to fraud, and RSI won’t support such transactions.
Crowdfunding and Pledges
Star Citizen is crowdfunded, meaning your pledges help fund development. Here’s how it works:
- Pledge Funds: When you pledge, you’re depositing funds to support the game’s development, not purchasing a product. These funds cover development, production, and operational costs.
- Pledge Items: Your pledge may grant you access to Open Alpha, specific in-game items (e.g., ships), or Squadron 42. Items are delivered when they become functional in the Alpha or when Squadron 42 is released.
- Refunds: You have a 30-day Withdrawal Period to test Pledge Items and request a refund if unsatisfied. After this period, pledges are non-refundable unless RSI ceases development and fails to deliver. Refunds are made to the original payment method.
- Evolving Design: The game and Pledge Items may differ from initial descriptions due to ongoing development.
Store Credits and Gifting
- Store Credits: You can convert some Pledge Items into Store Credits to acquire other items, but these credits are non-refundable and can’t be used for certain items (e.g., event tickets or promotional offers).
- Gifting: You can gift Virtual Goods to other RSI Accounts, but new accounts must wait 30 days before gifting. Gifting doesn’t involve receiving anything in return, and gifted items aren’t refundable.
Subscriptions and Merchandise
- Paid Subscriptions: RSI offers subscriptions for extra content (e.g., development updates). You’ll be notified of fee changes 30 days in advance, and subscriptions auto-renew until canceled. No refunds are given for lapsed subscription periods.
- Merchandise: Physical items (e.g., T-shirts, ship models) and event tickets are purchases, not pledges. You have 30 days to cancel and return merchandise for a refund, but you’re responsible for return shipping costs and any import duties or taxes.
Privacy and Data Management
Your privacy matters to RSI. Here’s how your data is handled:
- Privacy Policy: Read RSI’s Privacy Policy (robertsspaceindustries.com/privacy) to understand data collection and use.
- Requesting Account Data: You can request a copy of your account data by submitting a ticket through your logged-in RSI Account with 2FA enabled. It may take up to 30 days to process.
- Deleting Your Account: You can permanently delete your account, removing all personal data, pledges, and perks. This is irreversible, so consider carefully. Submit a request via the support system, and it may take up to 30 days.
- Data Disclosure: Be cautious about sharing personal information with other players, as RSI can’t control or retrieve it once shared.
Interacting with RSI Support
RSI’s Player Relations team is here to help with issues like account access, technical problems, or pledge disputes. Here’s how to interact effectively:
- How to Contact: Submit a ticket via the RSI Knowledge Base’s “Submit a Request” button or email [email protected] from your registered email. Don’t DM agents on Spectrum or expect phone support.
- What They Can Help With: Account lockouts, pledge issues, or reporting harassment. They can’t assist with gameplay tips, restoring melted pledges, or fixing bugs.
- Response Times: Tickets are prioritized (e.g., login issues first) and may take longer during busy periods like CitizenCon. Update or close resolved tickets to help the team.
- Etiquette: Be respectful. Abusive language, harassment, or threats toward staff may lead to ticket closure, account suspension, or legal action. Follow agent instructions to avoid delays.
- Fraud: Providing false information to gain unauthorized assistance may result in account penalties.
Fan Creations and Intellectual Property
Star Citizen encourages fan creativity, but there are rules to protect RSI’s intellectual property (IP):
- RSI Content: Includes game software, Virtual Goods, and other materials (e.g., music, art). You can’t copy, modify, or distribute these without RSI’s permission.
- User-Generated Content (UGC): Content you create (e.g., posts, videos) must not infringe on others’ IP. By sharing UGC on RSI Servicesенту
Community Guidelines: Spectrum and Beyond
RSI’s community platforms (e.g., Spectrum forums, chat, Community Hub) have specific rules:
- Be Respectful: Treat others kindly, avoid personal attacks, and don’t share others’ personal information.
- Keep It Clean: No offensive, explicit, or discriminatory content.
- No Trolling: Don’t post to antagonize or derail discussions.
- Stay On Topic: Stick to the purpose of each channel (e.g., bug reports in Issue Council).
- No Spam: Avoid repetitive posts, bumping old threads, or soliciting donations.
- One Forum Account: Use only one account for posting to avoid circumventing bans.
- Moderation: Don’t discuss moderation actions publicly. Contact Community Management for issues.
Final Tips for New Players
- Read the Fine Print: Familiarize yourself with the TOS, Privacy Policy, and Fandom FAQ to avoid surprises.
- Join the Community: Engage on Spectrum, contribute to the Issue Council, or check out fan content in the Community Hub.
- Be Patient: Alpha means bugs and changes. Your feedback helps shape the game.
- Have Fun: Star Citizen is a unique, immersive experience. Enjoy exploring the ‘Verse and connecting with other Citizens!
If you have questions, reach out to RSI Support at [email protected] or via the Knowledge Base. Welcome to Star Citizen—see you in the ‘Verse!
