Location: The primary location is listed as Santa Monica, California, USA, though they likely have additional offices globally given the scale of their projects.

Primary Function: Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is a video game development and publishing company specializing in massively multiplayer online (MMO) games. Their primary focus and most well-known project is Star Citizen, an ambitious space simulator MMO currently under development. They also have developed and published Squadron 42, a single-player narrative-driven game set within the Star Citizen universe.

Company History: CIG was founded in 2012 by Chris Roberts, a prominent figure in the video game industry known for his work on titles such as Wing Commander. The company was established with the goal of creating a next-generation space simulation game that would push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

Key Products and Services:

• Star Citizen: A persistent online universe where players can engage in diverse activities like space combat, exploration, trading, mining, and more. This is the company's flagship project and has garnered significant attention, both positive and negative, due to its ambitious scope and ongoing development.
• Squadron 42: A single-player story-driven campaign set within the Star Citizen universe. This game shares the same assets and technology but offers a focused narrative experience.

Business Model: CIG primarily utilizes a crowdfunding model, raising significant funds through direct sales of game packages and in-game purchases to players. They have employed this model throughout the development of Star Citizen, accumulating a substantial player base and funding its prolonged development cycle.

Target Audience: The company targets gamers interested in space simulation, MMO experiences, and immersive gameplay. The detailed and realistic aspects of Star Citizen appeal to a dedicated community of simulation enthusiasts.

Overall: Cloud Imperium Games is a unique company in the gaming industry, known for its ambitious, long-term development project and direct engagement with its community. The long development cycle of Star Citizen has led to both considerable success in terms of funding and ongoing criticism regarding its release timeline. The company's future largely hinges on the successful completion and release of both Star Citizen and Squadron 42.