The massive crowdfunding campaign for Star Citizen , the upcoming space simulator from Wing Commander creator Chris Roberts, has surpassed its latest stretch goal of $40 million, according to Robert Space Industries' website

Roberts launched the CIG Star Citizen Monthly Report last month , a "high-level production progress report from the various teams around the world working on Star Citizen." Developer Cloud Imperium Games has a roster of 212 employees, putting it on level –– if not above it –– of many AAA game development studios, as far as numbers go.Roberts said that much of the team is busy working on the Dogfighting Module, another in the planned handful of modules that will let players experience the game before the full version releases. This module should release shortly after PAX, which takes place April 11-13, if all goes well, Roberts writes.Star Citizen initially raised $2.1 million when it was first revealed as a Kickstarter project. Since then, the funds have grown exponentially and, in the February monthly report, Roberts said that 71 percent of the $6 million in funds since December have come from new backers. The team continues to accept funds as development progresses.As of now, there are 6,128 open slots left for Star Citizen's alpha.

Mike Mahardy is a freelance writer for various outlets. You can follow him on Twitter