Hi everyone,
I am surprised by the lack of any criticism or discussion of the Founders program thus far, considering most of us, the dedicated fan base myself included has made the commitment. Even so, I find myself uncomfortable with the decision, even if I am happy with it. Why so?
It is highly unusual for a gaming company to charge full retail price for content before it is released a year ahead.
Stardock has tried to create the illusion we are getting a 20 percent discount off retail 10 dollars, but this is not so much of a perk if I'm paying for it now with interest and no guarantees.
So what else about the deal:
The Founders vault is not unique content and requires no development or extra costs, which I am not advocating, we all want the game as fast as possible, but what exactly is my reward for being a founder?
If as many of us have signed up for the Founders program with the contract fully spelt out to us what is the problem and who am I to judge?
I won't go too far and accuse Stardock of being reckless with its consumer base, partially because I have been a fan since Galactic Civilizations, and I'm partial to the developers. I put the money forward to support Stardock through what I imagine are though tough times for independent game companies that take the risk and money Galactic Civilization requires to produce, and after the financially ruinous Elemental debacle. Most developers settle for cheap content passed off as gameplay, whose very mechanics harbor addictive but mindless properties. In my opinion, Jonathan Blow an independent game developer who created Braid has been the most authoritative on this issue, you can look him up for further reference. It's not easy filing Stardock and Blow's niche, as gameplay is increasingly being less valued and games being pumped out on a yearly or quarterly basis, which is why I did put this money forward, as an investment in gaming as an art-form over making gamers into drones. But that's my own personal reasons.
When you make the decision to release the founders program you wave the carrot and the crowds are expected to follow, that's what Stardock did and the carrot waver does have ethical responsibilities to its customer.
Further, companies do this ALL the time, gamers are a particularly vulnerable audience, we care about our games a lot, and these forums exist everywhere for every game in development, with crowds of rabid fans doing ANYTHING to satiate their hunger. I have heard from some gamers that waiting on the forum is even more exciting than the game itself and the privilages of being a Founder are immensely existing, but to offer this type of a program is something no other company has done. Traditionally, alphas and betas are released for free not commitment, to loyal fans willing to do brunt work.
I think a nice solution would be to offer content access early, because that's what we're here for and not much else can be done at this point, say during some stage of Alpha rather than beta for founders. Spring is too late. I'll have already made ~8 payments on my credit card towards this game? This is not a financial issue for me, but it is a rather odd arrangement. I am quite detached from this Alpha access from a gaming perspective, I will be knee deep in work overseas, but it is the right thing to do for the fans.
No one forced me to buy it. I'm not complaining. But, rather than questioning Stardock's business practices as a whole. I am sure the best intentions are there, but I think Stardock does owe a review for future releases if this is what is really acceptable.
Personally, I see this move as lacking professionalism and extremely amateur. Others may disagree. Whatever the case, I am extremely excited for Galactic Civilizations 3 and am thinking about it more than ever. To Space my friends!