The counter-argument to making complex strategy games with high production values is that the demographic for these games, males 25 to 55, does not have a long-term market future. This argument assumes that the current key gaming demographic: 15 to 25 year olds – both male and female – have been raised on games that hand hold the player through a well-developed story (sometimes referred to playing on a “rail”) and are unlikely to be interested in games that rely on the player “discovering” the nuances of game play over many hours.
Stardock’s position is that as the new 15 to 25 year old demographic transitions to the “older” demographic that their gaming requirements will transition as well. If this is the case, it will bode well to studios interested in developing games that appeal to men and women that involve considerable game play sophistication."
The reason this impresses me is because it demonstrates that Stardock is willing to look ahead, rather than fixate on what's immediately before them. Additionally, their approach to Gal Civ III (it will be done when it's done) indicates that making a genuinely good game, is more important than merely convincing everyone it's good enough to buy, whether it actually is or not. I can't stress enough how important this mindset is. Not just in games, but in all media, and frankly, everywhere else, too. There's too much addiction to originality over refinement, simplicity over depth, instant gratification rather than challenge. And this, along with certain articles, show that Stardock is at least working to buck that trend.
I want to say also that some of the younger demographic (notably mostly children of the older one), do also enjoy the games and can often incite their friends to enjoy similar intermediary games of sufficient quality. I hope my own son falls into that category when he becomes old enough, along with his half-brothers. So overall, this strategy is best for the long term, and it gives me a certain degree of hope that if successful, it will spread. I find this outcome utterly necessary for far more than simple gaming.
As such, I'm willing to take on the risk (great risk, in my case, since I can't currently foresee a time I can ever play the game) of pre-purchasing the game anyway, merely to demonstrate support for this mindset in the hopes that it succeeds and continues well beyond Gal Civ III. Though I say again, while I hope to do so within the next month, I really can't say when I'll actually be able to purchase a founder's pack, in my current circumstances.
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As for the third point, I'm not going to post the entire, lengthy "wish list" here. Instead, I'll link to another thread in which I've posted, where many people's wishes for the game are discussed as well. My post is #58 , on Page 3.
Wishlist - by General Joab
Thank you for your effort, and your consideration. I wish you great success in your endeavor not just to make worthwhile games, but to actually improve gaming. I sincerely hope you stick to your principles, with actions.