If you release a software that requires patches, ppl get pissed off. If you release a beta for trials, ppl ask why is it so slow to release the whole thing. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Maybe the devs are taking into account a lot of feedback about gameplay/balance/features, maybe they want to make really sure about stability, who knows.. But I think the devs have good reason(s) for doing so - after all, the delay to release also means a delay for them to get paid, and as a small(er) software developer, trust me, such issues with cashflow and delays in recieving money are substantial considerations.. Let us just look on the positive side of things about this delay instead..

People tend to get more pissed off if a new release requires patches, than they do about a delay for the beta After all, the beta carries the implication that some things might be buggy. So people can still play it and instead of throwing fits about this and that bug, they get them fixed instead

Re-iterrating what everyone else said really.

It's a strategy that means that those waiting for the expansion don't miss out and at the same time they know the code isn't really mature enough to sell at release.  We all win really, we get to play on the 18th despite it not being 100% ready and Ironclad don't take a shit load of slack on the forums from sociapathic ranting kids.

The newest version of the Gamers Bill of Rights is as follows:

1. Gamers shall have the right to return games that are incompatible or do not function at a reasonable level of performance for a full refund within a reasonable amount of time.
2. Gamers shall have the right that games they purchase shall function as designed without defects that would materially affect the player experience.
3. Gamers shall have the right that games will receive updates that address minor defects as well as improves gameplay based on player feedback within reason.
4. Gamers shall have the right to have their games not require a third-party download manager installed in order for the game to function.
5. Gamers shall have the right to have their games perform adequately if their hardware meets the posted recommended requirements.
6. Gamers shall have the right not to have any of their games install hidden drivers.
7. Gamers shall have the right to re-download the latest version of the games they purchase.
8. Gamers whose computers meet the posted minimum requirements shall have the right to use their games without being materially inconvenienced due to copy protection or digital rights management.
9. Gamers shall have the right to play single player games without having to have an Internet connection.
10. Gamers shall have the right to sell or transfer the ownership of a physical copy of a game they own to another person.

See number 2.  A released game from Stardock has to fulfill that, a beta does not.  In the end though; it allows us to have more input and make the game even better.  I'm down with that!

Sounds good to me.

Yeah, if it was important enough to push the date back a month or two, they probably should have warned us sooner. They had to have know sooner than a week before launch that they needed or wanted a beta. Oh well. As long as the beta leads to improvements, its all good.

I bet it's not the work. The balancing must be way off.

Yes, we'll get a beta. And yes, they announced it openly:

https://forums.sinsofasolarempire.com/329778

i rahter have THEM take their time than actualy spend mine being a betatester.

I play games for fun, Not as a second job i have to fckn pay for.

So all power to them. ill thank them via the only means that truly counts: through my wallet.