This is unbelievable. Stardock shouldn't even mention Take 2. When it comes down to it, it's Stardock's game, they are responsable. I can't believe I'm being punished for preordering the game. When I found out the release date was Feb 21, I set aside tonight in my schedule to spend all night playing this game. Instead, I'm reading a message board about how Take 2 didn't think the preorder numbers would be that high, and didn't print enough copies. Not for nothing, my preorder was made in DECEMBER. I will NEVER buy another Stardock game. I don't want to hear from anyone how Stardock is responding to it's costumers, because if they were, I'd have their game in my hands already. I hope everyone is writing to all the gaming magazines to let them know what's going on with this.

What would you have us do? 

Let's take a deep breath and look at it from a bigger picture since I assume we're adults here:

The release date for the game was set to be February 21, 2006 many months ago.  And due to some logistical/demand issues wide-spread retail availability is was February 22nd-24th (depending on which chain).

In the bigger scheme of things, is this that big of a deal?  Does someone else having the game a day earlier hurt anyone?

I agree it's ultimately Stardock's fault.  In the sense that we should have put more padding into it.  We should have said that the game was going to be available on say March 1 and then surprised everyone when it showed up on store shelves on February 22nd through 24th.  It's a lesson noted for the future.

At the end of the day, we simply don't have the clout to force everyone to do exactly what we'd like. 

We are given dates. We pass those dates on to you. In this case, the widespread distribution was off by 2 days.  Stardock decided how many units to manufacture. We manufactured enough. That's not the issue. 

The issue, from what I can tell, is that the expedited units (i.e. when a product is manufactured, you have X units that are rushed out to fit the first day's demands and Y units that are shipped slower/cheaper to deal with the first few weeks demand).  President's day combined with a higher than expected demand ate up the X units faster.

Best Buy had the game yesterday.  I don't know why they had it but EB/Gamestop did not. 

Stardock Makes game, manufactures game, markets game, hands boxes to Take 2 (distributor) who then ships it to retailers.  It could even be that the manufacturing people were late a day that aggravated it.  We're not sure.

What we do know is this: Weeks from now, nobody is going to care whether a video game came out on February 23rd instead of February 21st. 

We're sorry you're upset about it.  No one wishes the game was in every store in massive quantity more than I do.

 

It is Stardock's game. Stardock is the only one who is ultimately responsible. The distributor burns as many copies as Stardock requests, and sends them out. They can't send out a product they don't have any orders for. Stardock played it safe and underordered apparently. Even they admit that in a message above.

No matter what, Stardock's game, Stardock's ultimate responsibility, period. I'm glad you quoted me, because nothing could be more true. If Stardock truly cared, I and everyone else would have the game, instead of getting some hulls.

You just have to look at it like this Avatar Frogboy "Ignorance is Bliss"
A scattered (but vocal) few will complain to the high heavens because something doesn't work out the way they want. But I know that a week from now those same people who were complaining will be sittinig in front of their computer playing the same game they swore never to buy. Most of them will never admit it (The internet is great for allowing people to avoid accepting responsibility for their actions) but they will be doing it all the same.
Just remember that the people who are happy with the experience are too busy playing the game.
But I think DAnderson is right about one thing. If you truly cared then you would get the addresses of everyone who did not recieve the game and personally deliver them a copy. Just don't wake them up in the middle of the night. A caring Stardock would gently place it under their pillows for them to find in the morning.....I mean that is your ultimate responsibility............right?

I really don't want blame or explanations at this point. Just help and clarity. Is it possible for folks at Stardock or Take2 to confirm whether some of these on-line retailers have copies at their warehouse (Gamespot in particular)? I realize this will all seem absurd a month from now. But as someone who pre-ordered online, I'd just like to get a sense of what kind of delay to expect and then assess whether I'd prefer to hunt for the game locally or download it directly.

I think most people in my position probably feel the same way. Anything you could find out and pass along to us would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Darth Yoder

I found a few copies at Best Buy if that helps   I don't why some stores would have it and others not, but I assure you, once the gold copy is sent out it's really out of our hands. We'll keep you all up-to-date with any information we hear from the manufacturing/distributing side of things (like Brad did with this thread).

Your paticence is very much appreciated

I know that EBGame.com has recieved the games and have enough for those that pre-ordered the game (I know this because I talked to an EBGame Rep a couple of hours ago). Gamestop owns EBGames so more than likely they already have the games in as well, but I haven't talked to anyone at Gamestop.

Just as a warning though! When I talked to the rep at EB she said that they do not have weekend shipping so even if you have one night shipping you might not get it until Monday. It SUX I know I am still waiting for mine.

What I plan on doing tomorrow is calling up some of the local stores and see whether or not they have them in yet. If they do I am going to go buy a copy, and if my order has already been sent off then so be it. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to do that I know, but just like everyone else I am a very impatient person. I will justify it by saying I am trying to help support Stardock!

I found a few copies at Best Buy if that helps I don't why some stores would have it and others not

I've run into this problem before. Best Buy wouldn't have a game on release day but I could go to Target or Wal-Mart and find it there. It's weird, but that's how it is.

I have never once believed that a video game has a 'hard street date'. I've always taken the date to mean "ON OR AROUND".

I can understand why some people are so mad. This isn't a case where the game gets pushed back suddenly. What makes this worse is that some people are currently knee deep in Galactic Civilizations fun, while the rest of us are sitting on the sidelines drooling uncontrollably. The only thing I am trying to point out is that it is not Stardocks fault. They did what they were supposed to do. Some people are taking Avator Frogboy's comments out of context but saying that he admitted that Stardock was in fault. When he actually said that the only thing that could have been done different is if they lied and said the game wouldn't be done until two weeks after it was already completed.

I went to 4 stores over a few hours and covered about 30 plus miles just to get the game on release day. I can't tell you how pleased I was to finally find it at a Best Buy store. The hunt was well worth the game.

makery

Tried 4 stores yesterday no luck. Went back to three of them today since fourth claimed they aren't getting any "could be wrong though". Realize. I live in San Jose, CA. This isn't the middle of nowhere. Heck. Center of Silicon Valley.

My local Best Buy still doesn't have it, but the game is supposed to arrive anytime. Gamestop same story. Walmart has no clue since I learned the PC games they stock are provided by a third party who controls that section. Their inventory is restocked every Tuesday. I plan to be there since Amazon tells me they are not shipping my preorder game before March 4th. What annoys me is that it might not even be the Collector's Edition.

At the end of the day, I'm sure I'll enjoy the game and it will be worth the wait. I look at this delay as a chance for Stardock to fix those low probability "bugs" that appear when any product is exposed to the masses.

Do I blame Stardock? I could, but looking at the big picture I sincerely believe they did the best job they could given the available resources. "Mistakes" may happen. Key is not repeating 'em.

Walmart will be selling the CE.  They stock it.

FYI, I pre-ordered from Walmart's website. I got an e-mail that the shipping date had slipped, and they still don't show it in stock. Based on above, I assume they will get it shortly, so am content to wait.

Hey guys, do we actually know whether or not stores like EBgames or GameStop (where i reserved a copy) are actually going to GET the game in stock TODAY (friday), or whether it is just now being SHIPPED to them today? What's been the big hold up, were any shipped out on the 21st?? Anyways, what are the chances of stores actually having it TODAY? Or should i just download the game and have stardock send me a box?

Citizen Airwreck, I'm on the west coast as well, and I haven't heard any reports of it being out here. Lots of people are being vague (got it at Best Buy, no location stated), but I'm pretty sure I haven't read about anyone on the west coast getting it.

Let's hope it comes in on Friday! You'd think it would, with all these reports of it showing up at Best Buy's - we're usually a day later anyway.

*crosses fingers*

I pre-ordered from Walmart's website. I got an e-mail that the shipping date had slipped, and they still don't show it in stock. Based on above, I assume they will get it shortly, so am content to wait.

See, that's what I'm looking for from Gamestop. I've written their customer service center and haven't gotten any response. And there's nothing on their site to suggest what's going on over there. I know they can't control when they get inventory, but they certainly could contact us with an estimate, assurance, or platitude.

I'm going to go hunt for a hardcopy today. The game sounds good enough that I'll just give the regular copy to a friend once my CE edition finally arrives.

Hey guys, do we actually know whether or not stores like EBgames or GameStop (where i reserved a copy) are actually going to GET the game in stock TODAY (friday), or whether it is just now being SHIPPED to them today?

I called EBGames.com yesterday and around 5pm (Central Time) they said they had recieved the games and were processing them and gettting them ready to ship. BUT the rep said that they do not have weekend shipping, so unless it gets here today you won't be getting it until monday! So far they still have not sent off my copy.

So I am waiting until 10am then I am calling some of my local stores. If they still don't have it I am waiting until 1pm and calling again. If I have to go buy a copy @ the store and recieve one through the mail then so be it!

I knew I should have supported Stardock and just ordered from the website. My Gamestop STILL hasn't recieved my copy. That's the last time I preorder anything at Gamestop.

Just try to look @ it like someone said earlier, you are getting a better copy because Stardock is releasing more tweaks while we're waiting for our copies. Of course more than likely as soon as I get the game I am going to install it and begin playing it without even considering getting back online, but so what!

Stardock's job = Make computer software/game Take 2 Job = figure out the demand of the game and make sure there are enough copies.

That’s not quite correct. Stardock is the publisher, so they have to figure out the demand and make sure enough copies are made. Take 2's job is to take the said boxes manufactured by stardock, store it until a company buys it (i.e. best buy), and then ship it to their warehouse. The issue that I see is that the boxes were made and ship to distro (Take 2) where they are still sitting (for the most part). I'm not sure why Best Buy got it first, unless gamespot/eb messed up the distro once the boxes hit their warehouse. Last I checked, best buy didn't even have the game on their website but the game is on most shelves. Something really odd is going on here, and we as consumers will never truly know unless a lawsuit is filed (Do Not sue anyone about not getting your game, Stardock may have a case against Take 2 however).

I just picked up my pre-ordered copy today at my local EBGames oultet (Sterling Heights,MI). I wasn't the collector's editon though. I noticed another pre-ordered copy on the back shelf. It wasn't the collector's edition either. I pre-ordered my copy on 7 Feb 06 . Looks like the pipeline is filling.

i ordered the CD version from the Stardock site... it's a no-show on my doorstep yet, but i'm content to wait while the first round of bugs are flushed out and fixed.

i just wish i could find a way on the site to track my order! is there one?

While it certaintly is a let down that one doesn't have there shiny new plaything in there hands when it was expected, it is incredibly unfair to scream and cry about how horrible Stardock is when they are one of the last few developers out there willing to bendover backwards for their customers( and bending over backwards is painful if not expensive which is why most other company's don't bother).

Reality Check: Stardock can do NOTHING at this time about how Take2 screwed up (take2 is somewhat of a screwed up company anyhow, thank god they are up for sale) Take2 is the one who failed to provide proper numbers for unit production to the replicators. This of course upsets Stardock (I would be if I paid good money for distribution) as it makes them look bad since they are front and center on this issue. All that can be done is that Take2 corrects the issue and ships out more units to retailers.

You could cancel your pre-order and simply download the game if you are soooo desperate to play that you might suffer an anyurism. Or you can be kind, and support the company that brought you this labor of love by being patient and waiting a couple more days to get your boxed version of the game (although some people have no choice in the matter).

Stardock is a small little independent company that sometimes makes games (although really good ones). They are not EA or Vivendi universal. Unlike those company's they desperately need a good image with there customers to stay in business. They are probably more upset than you are, infact I bet brad is throwing chairs and breaking stuff in his office right now even.... or not... but I'm sure he is ticked off. I would be if it were me....but hey ....what developer doesn't end up in tears after dealing with Take2?

Stardock completely has my loyalty since galciv 1. There is simply very few others willing to do what they do when it comes to support and openess (I mean who doesn't put copy protection on there games anymore..even for independents?) I'm a rather big gamer (and a developer) and I can tell you that this is nothing compared to what some other major titles have gone through at release. Distribution problems happen.

Shooting the pig because it saw the fox in the henhouse isn't very helpful to anyone...or however that saying goes.

Like it is said, it will always end in tears...or flames but I prefer tears over flames.... But under certain circumstance flames would be preferable.

Gamestop's website has updated stating its release date will be Feb 27th, which usually means with them that it will be in stores on the 28th.

I think I may switch to only getting console games there. PC games are just easier to get online.

Gamestop is okay, mainly for bigger titles, with getting games in on time and knowing what's going on. Usually EB has been better in the past for getting everything on time. This time neither of them have it around here (Minneapolis, MN) and none of them know anything about it. The website now conveniently says the release date is the 27th (pretty lame that) and also that even though I pre-ordered it, I'm not getting the CE version. I'm tired of waiting, I expect the game to come out on time (it's someone's job to ensure this) and in light of this would rather just download it instead so I don't have to sit here listening to a zilliion other gamers raving about how good the game is. Kind of rude to do that, actually, when not everyone has received their copies yet, if you ask me.

At least commiserate with us a little! LOL

Anyway, I'm not blaming StarDock either, but someone somewhere should be accountable to explain what went wrong and why. The buck always stops somewhere. I'm so tired of hearing either EB or GS say, "well we don't know what happened and we have no way of knowing" when the reality is that someone up their chain of command DOES know and should be passing that info down, but they probably think 'screw that, it's just a game's release date, the customer will get over it, it's unimportant'. That's the real frustrating thing about these delays, no accountability from anyone and no way that a single individual's feedback will really make a difference.

In closing, I appreciate SD's attempt to give us whatever info they can, it is certainly refreshing and very much appreciated, though I'd love an update at this point if they have one.

Can't wait to play this clearly great game and have told all my friends about it as well (though most of them weren't as keen on a TBS as I was)...

Have a great weekend, everyone!

For those that diminish the importance of customers getting their product on the day of release, I bring up 3 points:

#1 I have been a gamer since the day when games came in zip-lock baggies. For a long time, release day and getting a game on that day has been important. I choose my stores on who can get a game in the fastest, not on price or anything else and I bet there are a lot like me. It's why stores like gamestop and EB have stayed in business despite BB and Target.

#2 Customers wanting your game is called demand and its a lot better then the contrary, don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

#3 A release date is profesional promise to deliver a product to your paying customers on a particular day. If that profesional promise is not met you can expect to receive critisicm.

Since stardock is, by their own admissions, not a game company, I just thought I would share my experiences to the noobs... JK