It isn’t every day that a full-sized spaceship turns up in Manchester, but that’s exactly what happened when VERSA Studios hosted an exclusive showcase for the upcoming video game Squadron 42.
Cloud Imperium Games, the studio behind Star Citizen and Squadron 42, transformed the Manchester production facility into an immersive sci-fi environment, complete with a life-sized Hornet spacecraft supplied by the developer.
The special event brought together gaming personalities and streamers from around the world, with Hollywood star Mark Hamill also making an appearance.
But bringing the world of Squadron 42 to life involved far more than parking a spaceship inside a studio.
VERSA worked alongside Cloud Imperium Games to deliver the showcase and co-produce behind-the-scenes filming, including interviews with the creators of the game.
More than 40 people worked on the production, with VERSA overseeing crew, lighting, sound, production design and other technical requirements.
The company also enlisted specialist virtual production partner Mars Volume, which constructed what is described as Manchester’s largest-ever virtual production screen, displaying immersive content inspired by Squadron 42.
Charlie Ingall, Executive Director of VERSA Studios, said the project demonstrated the scale of what can be achieved when creative talent, technology and specialist production partners come together.
The collaboration builds on a longstanding relationship between VERSA and Cloud Imperium Games, which has a major presence in Manchester.
The games developer also operates a permanent motion-capture studio at VERSA’s Manchester facility, one of the largest of its kind in the UK.
As anticipation grows for Squadron 42, currently expected in 2027, the event offered an unusual opportunity to experience part of its universe in the real world.
For Manchester’s growing gaming and production scene, it was certainly an out-of-this-world spectacle.
