I just got my 'free invite to beta' I haven't even played, yet, but the letter alone has me cheering with renewed faith in developers.  

I met Brad at PAX where he was talking about his upcoming game 'Elemental Magic' I was totally caught up in the enthusiasm and vision that he had for the game, I think I watched the full 45 minute presentation twice, and with all the cool things to see at PAX, that should say a lot. 

The PR Reps, took  the time to introduce me to Brad, and he signed a blue USB Thumb Drive for a friend of mine.  We chatted briefly, but I was really won over by his enthusiasm and love for 'building games'.  I signed up for Elemental Magic on the spot.  I Dabbled in the Beta, and gave the final product a try... I really wanted to love the game, but for some reason, it just never grabbed me... I can honestly admit, I really didn't give it a real shot, and logged very few hours in game.  That said... I need to confess, that it just didn't seem to be the same game that the vision Brad presented at PAX was... and I felt sad.  

It's getting late, and I'm drifting off to sleep at the keyboard, I just want to get down on paper, that the letter from Brad, and the 'make up gift' of a new game, is really quite appreciated.  I absolutely love that Brad States that what was delivered was not meeting his (and his gaming fans) expectations, and that this is another stab at showing what his team can do.

I'm really looking forward to it, AND really happy that StarDock, and Brad Wardell, have restored Faith, in Game Developers... it's so easy to get Jaded as a gamer, and just decide that every one is 'the corporate machine' and that care for things other than the almighty Gold Piece don't exist anymore.  

I really do think that Brad has a 'love of the game' and really does want gamers to enjoy his products, beyond the desire for Gold. (though I'm sure recompense for work well done is certainly appreciated,) I just don't think that 'money' is the primary motivator, and I just wanted to say thanks from one of your  Fans... this really has 'won' me back.  Sorry I drifted, sorry I doubted.

Keep on gaming!

Wade Hone. (and now I sleep in peace.)