You know, if it was anyone other than Stardock, I probably would cancel my pre-order and rush out to buy the game.  Heaven knows I am not a patient person.  But when it comes to publishers, Stardock really are the "good guys".  I have been a big fan of Stardock ever since the first Galactic Civilizations, and I have bought Galciv 2, The Political Machine 1 and 2, and Sins of a Solar Empire (and it's new expansion).  I have been so impressed by the quality of games published by Stardock, I will only pre-order games from them (for everything else I wait until the reveiws come out).  More than the quality, however, is the commitment that Stardock has to continue supporting their games long after it is truly profitable.  This is something you just don't see in larger game companies (cough, ACTIVISION, cough).

It's one thing to pay lip service to a good company like Stardock, and talk about how great it would be if other game makers behaved as they did.  But it's moments like these where the rubber meets the road.  There is nothing stopping me from getting the game from Gamestop right now, but Stardock has asked that I don't.  It may not seem like much -- after all, my individual order is only worth $40 -- but it's my way of supporting a good company, and avoiding the hypocrisy of rewarding the bad behavior of unscrupulous institutions.  I hope that other players will follow suit, and wait the extra day to begin playing the game.  It really isn't a big request.  If gamers want to be treated better by game makers, it's moments like this that prove that we deserve it.

Even though I only found out about the game on Thursday (through the PA forums) and pre-ordered it on the same day, I won't be cancelling to pick it up at GameStop. I have to stand by the one publisher I know who has stood against intrusive DRM, and I'd rather not give my money to a glorified pawn shop.

GalCiv and GalCiv2 are both singleplayer only! 

Well, I certainly can't fault you too much for falling prey to "sexy woman". She has been steering men astray since the beginning of time. Take this lesson to heart, and don't be such a putz in future.

Laughing out loud. This is the most succinct, accurate description of that company that I have ever read. 

@Frogboy: You know that this is a deliberate act.  When you announced that you would support the reselling of PC games, you threatened their survival. They released the game early, assuming that someone would post it up on some P2P, and tank your release. The corporate mindset doesn't allow for integrity, honesty, or loyalty.

I think that you are right in your dealings with GS. Before they sink beneath the waves they may see the error of their ways.  I think that "Elemental" could be your biggest hit, and it could be a mistake to burn the bridge of this revenue stream.

You should shitcan whatever attorney that wrote up this contract.

Anyone remember in "Fight Club" The Car crashing due to falty parts analysis? 

If Company A makes a mistake but gains more Profits in doing so equalling a significant amount more than Paying the fine to Company B.  Then they sometimes do it and deal with the consequences. (acknowledging they dont care as much about reputation) Gamestop has been accused of doing this more than once in the last year.