Star Citizen’s Manchester Game Studios

Step inside Cloud Imperium Games’ Manchester headquarters, home to the developers of Star Citizen and Squadron 42.

The headquarters were designed to bring the Star Citizen universe to life through memorabilia, bespoke furniture, and RGBW COB LED tape lighting. Our lighting was installed into walls, ceilings, lightboxes, and bar features as part of the fit-out.

JR Design and Fabrication Ltd led the entire install, using Ultra LEDs Professional COB LED Tape in RGBW, aligning effects and colour choices with concepts from the game.

Bringing The Universe Into The Workspace

Star Citizen is a space simulation developed by Cloud Imperium Games, alongside the single-player title Squadron 42. The Manchester headquarters was planned with direct influence from the game’s futuristic setting, with parts of the office built in a sci-fi style.

JR Design and Fabrication based the installation on assets taken directly from the game. Large scale printed graphics, produced by Hollywood Monster, formed the backdrop, while Ultra LEDs’ 24V RGB and RGBW LED tape was installed across light boxes and architectural features.

Most runs were specified at 60 LEDs per metre, with COB tape used where continuous light output was required.

The lighting was programmed to reproduce colours from Star Citizen including deep blues, warm ambers and clean white accents.

This tied the printed artwork and memorabilia into the wider scheme, ensuring the studio remained connected to the world being created on screen.

Behind The Lighting Design

JR Design and Fabrication required an RGBW system tailored to the demands of Star Citizen’s environment. Seamless, continuous output was essential, which is why COB tape was specified.

Ultra LEDs’ 24V RGBW tape formed the backbone of the scheme, installed primarily at 60 LEDs per metre, with COB runs used where uninterrupted light was required.

Two main applications defined the design:

Light boxes, delivering uniform backlighting for large printed panels and wall graphics
Feature lighting, integrated into architectural details to add depth and highlight forms

All systems were configured to DMX control, allowing the studio to operate with static ambient lighting throughout the day or shift into dynamic colour sequences when needed.

JR Design and Fabrication

JRDF led the full installation and on-site coordination, working closely with Cloud Imperium Games to bring the project to life.

Their role extended beyond technical delivery, ensuring that lighting choices supported the everyday function of the studio while remaining true to the references taken directly from Star Citizen. By combining game assets, printed artwork, and integrated lighting, JRDF established a scheme that connected the workspace to the universe being developed.

"Ultra LEDs have been great to work with, their customer service has been fabulous, a special shout out to Dave Stirling who is always happy to answer questions and help us work through the best products/options for what we are trying to deliver for our clients."

– Kals Wilde Raine at JR Design & Fabrication

Why Ultra LEDs for High-Profile Installations

Ultra LEDs’ commitment to quality, technical expertise, and customer service makes them the preferred partner for complex, high-impact lighting projects.

Illuminate Your Next Experience

If you’re seeking a lighting partner capable of elevating your next immersive environment or high-profile event, contact Ultra LEDs today. Discover how our advanced LED solutions and expert support can help you bring your creative vision to life.

Alongside the installation with JR Design and Fabrication, Ultra LEDs has supported a wide range of event, theatre, residential, industrial and sculptural projects.

Ultra LEDs supports lighting designers, contractors, and fabrication partners with advanced LED solutions for commercial, workspace, and architectural projects.

Our range — including LED tape, pixel systems, profiles, and drivers — delivers precise control, seamless dimming, and reliable performance.

With expertise in integration and colour consistency, our team specifies and supplies tailored systems, ensuring consistent results across feature lighting and architectural details.