I would think the larger concern is not with the small group of loud complainers that don't understand the concept of testing.  I think the concern would be that it could have a negative impact on future potential buyers.  

I don't know anything about how Steam forums are managed, what gets carried over, and what controls you have over what reviews are visible or remain after the game moves out of "early access".  Whether we like it or not, there are many potential buyers who, instead of looking carefully at reviews, will look at overall recommendation ratings on steam as well as metacritic scores.  The problem is, if the reviews carry over to final release, that would be a problem.  Even if the forums would eventually have those alpha comments buried, if the reviews can stick, I would be concerned.  

We saw something similar happen with Elemental.  Even if after a couple iterations, the game became a good game... it lost all its steam because of the reviews stuck.  (granted, that was for a game release, not a testing version).

Whether the game is sold through steam now or not, I don't have a strong opinion, as long as you are able to distinguish this version from the release version from within Steam's architecture so as to minimize the impact of the current batch of steam trolls.

Thanks for clearing that up for me MaxWar.  That is helpful.

Still, if the concern is that people will buy elite founder edition and complain about having paid that much for an unfinished or broken game, those same people could write reviews.

If somebody pays $100 for a game they don't want and probably won't like, while having insufficient reading ability to make out the front page that clearly states multiple times that it is unfinished, they need to be eliminated from the gene pool.

While I agree, there will be many immature people posting to the hubs and Steam forums, and while there are a few colorful idiots posting currently, it's not as bad as I expected it to be.  I remember the bashing Wasteland 2 took because it was $60 and Early Access, so I really imagined this would be a whole lot worse.  Of course, it's still early, I'm sure it will get worse. Much worse.  

He did that earlier on already, in a rather polite way. If he was to explain this to every single one of them that would be his new full time job considering their numbers

Seriously I can't believe all the people whining on the Steam hub. Don't they have something else to do?

Let's separate 2 things :

- I loved all galciv games to date so I know what to expect from this one

That said I think (as I said in my thread) this is thievery.

Are you guys such fanboys that you don't see clear anymore?

What warranty you have that they release what you want? What warranty you have there will be dlc's or xp's? (you're paying for them upfront but all you got back is their word).

Why should I pay (I or anyone) a ridiculous amount of Money to work? (if you were ever in an alfa you know it will be work)

I'm sorry if you can get past that without blinking then you all became mindless zombies...

It is their money and their right to spend it on what they want.

Nobody is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to buy the Founder's Elite Edition.

Also it is not thievery if you willingly give someone your money.

As I mentioned, for me it is not about being a fanboy (though I do like the company).   We all make decisions on what we will do for entertainment, how we will spend it.  If I can spend a little, support a company I like, and enjoy participating in testing, then it is worthwhile for me.  Maybe not for you.  Do we know that there will be any DLCs?  What if the game is terrible?  Yes, all valid questions.  There are no guarantees. But I am of the growing opinion that game studios will more and more turn toward models which find as many ways to get seed money or backing for projects because the relative cost of making games compared to how much you earn is not what it once was.   If you compare labor to profit ratios, working within a more traditional game studio to craft a game seems more and more like an art or labor of love - when compared to the insane amount money earned by devs who do comparatively little work on a little game about candy through the in-app purchasing model.

A few more rambling thoughts... I understand why some might see this as a waste, especially when compared to how gaming used to be - and still how some game studios can afford to do business.  For me, supporting Stardock is in part a way to cheer for the "little guy".  I also know that regardless of critic reviews, I would end up purchasing the game no matter what.  So, we are adding, say $60 to the cost?  I've more than that on silly apps and in-app purchases going to companies that are really... low effort high profit.  

I've thought soberly about it and still don't mind spending the money.

I have trouble navigating steam. I haven't been to the hub or forum there, nor would I want to from what you guys make it seem.

Now what I'm about to ask I think I already know but... are people REALLY this stupid, or are they angry at life? Does anyone remember the moon dust story I made up, I think the dude in the story may be the description of a Steam troll.

DARCA