that was funny

I thought there was plenty of room in that cave.  Fortunatly I found another cave not too far from that one.  Bit damp, but it'll do.

In general, I think the approach should be to have polished functionality over non-polished.  If you're targeting a date, reduce scope, becuase you will pay for poor quality eventually: either with expensive patches, or with lost sales.

The date seems fairly flexible at this point.  Frogboy going from Winter 2010 to Fall 2010, given it's been in development for 2 years already basically just added 20% to the schedule, which is within the usual estimate range for software.  Taking 3 years instead of 2.5 years in return for reallly good reviews, and large, stable beta community who will sing your praises, probably makes financial sense.

I'm all for Stardock making lots of money on Elemental: then they can fund GalCiv3...

Brad et al,

OK, yet again, I'm way late to the discussion.

FWIW - My general view (as a software architect/developer for the last 15 years) is that you give the developers most of the time they want. In my world, it always seems to be a game (no pun intended) of diminishing returns. I'd use all the time (and more) to make something better if allowed. The question usually is, what are the users/gamers getting for the added effort?

If you feel forum/beta feedback will dramatically improve the game-play experience then go for it...this is something that I usually don't have the luxury of with ordering, inventory, and provision system design/development.

As somebody that has already pre-ordered the game, I don't have a big problem with a longer development cycle(s) especially if I see/hear that modding and python support become more robust during the cycles.

All just my opinion of course. Keep up the great work!

here, there is a RATHER different cave if one of you wants to occupy it.

Wow!  So roomy!  And it's only wet in the places it's supposed to be! 

Like a hot-dog down a hallway

I don't know what that means.

A yes from me.

I think it will get features in that usually, and sometimes confusingly, find themselves having to come later on in expansion packs. 

Was always befuddled how choosing event frequency wasn't in GC from the get go, for example.

I think one of the big things that I'm hoping from an extended beta is some chance to work to also meeting or helping to achieve the needs of the modders, particularly in tools!

landi started drinking rather early?

I really love this plan.  It allows those that want to preorder and test/play do it and also help shape the game along side development.  Really great approach.  It's nice not having financial pressure huh?

I realize I am definately in the minority, but I am simply much too impatient, I would not like to wait until Q3 for a release.

All of the additional goodness that would be added in by the increased beta length is of course something we would miss, but also something for which I would gladly pay an additional $20 for, assuming that the first expansion might be something which would include such content. I feel that as a consumer (and not primarily a beta tester), I owe it to you to provide you with funds for the goodness you produce.

Of course, I am in the minority, because I am not on the beta team (I simply wont have the time to dedicate, then, sadly) -- I think the majority of people who wrote "YES" many times are on the beta team -- quite obviously, they have nothing to lose and everytihng to gain. I think, however, that this is not fair primarily to YOU, the members of Stardock. So I would plead for: Early release, early first expansion -- for which of course the beta players can work their hearts off.

Thank you for listening and for your constructive criticism.

So if stardock will elease the game later, can we then at least get a cheaper pre-ordered retail version in Europe? I want to pre-order but I do not want to pay 20ish euro's for shipping the box. I also do not want to order the downloadable version.

If so then I would be very much in favor of releasing the game in august. If not it seems kinda like a stab in the back for those who do not want to buy the downloadable version. I mean what if the download service will stop in the near future? For this alone I would very much prefer a boxed version.

Shurdus: if you buy the game, automatically you have the downloable version for good too. You could destroy the disc (heretic!) and you would still be able to install it as long as have internet access to download the game from Impulse. Also, you can actually burn your own copy to a disc from your download. I haven't done it so I don't remember the details but it's possible. Not saying you shouldn't want a boxed version, just that the download comes with it anyways and can be "boxed" too. Or you know, save those 20€ like... less drinking? Or any other optional habit you may have and from which you could save those extra euros? And unless you live in this ridiculous country named Spain, you are more likely than me to find a copy in your country without having to wait an eternity...

onomastikon: anyone who preorders is in the beta. That they decide to take part or not is their choice but they are in yes or yes. And as beta goes on, it will become more and more stable and you wouldn't be the first that has preordered, isn't interested in beta testing but... well, as you can play it.. why not? You have already paid for it and it's also a good way to make the wait for the Gold product easier. And gives you the chance to provide feedback if you decide to do so. There will be expansions so you will have chances to pay them for more work. And you could always buy more than one (as present to otehr people or like someone, just to support Stardock).