Photos: Cloud Imperium

Cloud Imperium’s Chris Roberts: “The idea is to make it a huge space playground that you dream of spending time in if you’ve ever watched ‘Star Wars.’”  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Concept artist Omar Aweidah works in Cloud Imperium’s Santa Monica office. The company’s marketing budget includes large dollops spent on keeping the community engaged, holding live events, producing regular programs on YouTube and Twitch, and pumping out promotional videos.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Cloud Imperium Games’ Chris Roberts, center, ends a presentation by inviting team members onstage during Citizen Con in Hollywood this month.  (Jenna Schoenefeld / For The Times)