Chris Roberts' controversial crowdfunded space sim Star Citizen has just passed one million backers, making it one of the most popular crowdfunded projects of all time. After blowing through its initial target of $500,000, the game has currently raised a staggering $92.7 million (£60 million) in funding, thanks to a combination of early access sales and sales of in-game ships.

To celebrate hitting one million backers, the entire game will now be unlocked for everyone that has pledged for a Star Citizen package. The previously available Alpha Access and $5 module passes have been removed. "No Star Marine pass, no Alpha 2.0 pass... no additional payment needed for any module in the works, pre-release," reads the statement. "Going forward, should we need to put out some sort of limited release it will be done through the PTU test server. All backers will have access to any live release, the moment it publishes."

Those who have already bought an Alpha Access package will be compensated with 10,000 UEC (United Earth Credits), while everyone who purchased an Arena Commander pass individually will be given 5,000 UEC, with the UEC cap being raised to allow for the extra funds. "You also have my most sincere thanks: you were our vanguard, the battalion that fought the good fight from the beginning," says Roberts of those who bought Alpha Access. "Your impact on Star Citizen will never be forgotten, for without your early faith we couldn’t be where we are today."

Roberts and the Star Citizen team are currently working on Alpha 2.0, which is said to give players a taste of the game's persistent universe. It will include 38 playable missions and will let players explore a space map with a total volume of 400 quadrillion cubic kilometres. The developer also revealed that Mark Hamill, Gary Oldman, and Gillian Anderson would be joining the game's already star-studded cast in single-player Squadron 42n mode.

As Ars reported earlier this year, Roberts has faced criticism for the development strategy of Star Citizen, which has shifted dramatically from its original goals, with the game becoming split into its current module-based form. Accusations of feature-creep, as well as worries that the crowdfunded kitty wasn't being spent entirely wisely, were levelled at Roberts, who responded with a lengthy blog post that attempted to reassure those who have ploughed thousand of dollars into the game that their money was being well spent.