You can request the serial code to be send to you by e-mail. I think you can do this through the stardock central program also used for (pre-)downloading the game. If you werent in the beta test you will probably have to wait 8 to 24 hours from now before you can start pre-downloading (like every other non-beta-tester). You can download Stardock Central through the downloads link to the left of the screen.

The collectors edition might not get out in stores, i dont know about that. You can however request the collectors edition extra content as stardock will know that you pre-ordered the game before release which makes you eligible for the extra content.

If your family is going to buy it and ship it to you themselves, then sure they can just pop it open and send the serial ahead via email.. Obviously as Yarlen notes the store won't do that, but if your family is buying it in-store and mailing it themselves I don't see any problem.

Of course your family won't be able to get it before the Feb 21 release date so you won't be able to preload. But you should be able to start downloading it on SDC as soon as you get your serial.

Your family can open the box and send you the serial once they've gotten it. You'll be able to download while you wait for the CDs, which can remain in mint condition in the box, as you'll have downloaded the game.

Is crazy dan, dan studer from ellensburg??