There is also a $40 (? I think) non-Founders edition that isn't available yet on Steam.  That edition will get beta access sometime this summer.  The current version is the founders edition and comes with Alpha access.  

The Founders edition also comes with all future content in terms of DLC and expansion packs.  FYI.

The non-Founders edition is available through the SD store.  Once they are ready to distribute it you will receive a Steam key to activate the game. 

There is no point in buying the Elite founder package unless you want to help StarDock find bugs.  So Yeah, in a way you actually pay to work for stardock! Slavery!

I think that is a brilliant way of sorting out the real hardcore fans. I paid it without a second thought. Glad I did.

I am also a long time loyal fan...  and have no problem paying for Frog Face's coffee.  

But yes... the were other founders options (cheaper) earlier for anyone who was keeping watch.  

The way I figure, for some of us, being a part of the process, naming a star, and all that... that is a privilege that the average gamer doesn't get.  With other alphas which I have been a part of, the testing process was much different.  Brad and the gang have long been among the most forthcoming and transparent devs.  I think this was clearly demonstrated in the Elemental aftermath in which Brad didn't go hide under a rock - but instead faced it publicly and listened and interacted with players.  

For me, I am anticipating a different kind of alpha "experience" than I have had alpha or beta testing other games mainly because of the process and the characters (devs) involved.  I am perfectly content paying for the experience of being in and out of testing a game for a year with a game company that listens, discusses, and isn't "just" about the money.  (I mean, if it was just about the money, they probably could have cut their losses with Elemental without spending additional hours on a game that would provide limited revenue).

Seriously? This game is only an ALPHA. Sounds to me like you are one of those instant gratification knobs who will run around the internet going ARGHHHH ITS SO SH*T ITS GUT BUGS AND LIMITED FEATURES WAAAAAH.

Cut it out, man up, be more patient and wait for the game to come out.

BTW, enjoy it being more expensive in the long term for you, I don't have to worry about DLC's and addons, because for me, its already paid for and that is a reward for trusting one of the best game companies there is.

GC2 for me, lasted for bloody years, and I will still play it maybe a bit less, but have played it since it was released. No doubt GC3 will be the same, and spending £60/$100 on that, when most so called tripple A titles (on the bone and the ps4) cost that now, easy decision.

Do u read what u click on? Like the pop up that tells u its for testing not for fun?

This sort of thing will make developers rush games, and stardock have already made a very stable alpha perhaps too stable i feel they might of rushed themselves to get this out, most alphas i have been in have crash buttons etc.

You just didn't read what you paid for what did u think u where getting the game faster than everyone else? Sorry life don't work that way you cant pay developer for an instant game that whole Rome wasn't built in a day thing.

Well we better stop feeding what am going to hope is a troll.

Enjoy naming your star and free DLC (the real benefits since alpha testing inst your thing) may i suggest u call your star Herp-a-Derp? 

You will get the full game which is priced around 50$ as soon as it is ready - so its a preorder commitment that comes with some additional benefits, that are not in the "get it cheaper" but in other categories:

The benefit to influence the development of the game by making early suggestions and giving feedback is Worth quite a bit of money for many people around here. Thats simple economics - if there is a demand there is a Price for it

In addition, you will get the "small" things like Name in the Credits ans Star name - which are worth some extra Bucks anyway. (like lets say 5$ - 10$ )

And most important - all DLC/Expansions in the future for free - which, also it is kind of a gamble, can easily be worht additional 50$+

So yeah you pay more then "normal" but you gain more then "normal" with that.

That not everyone considers those benefits equaly "great" or "valuable" is obvious, but they are there and all in all pretty much worth it. (Given the game becomes as great as we expect it to become o.c.

Another interesting point is, that paying upfront for an upcoming game gives the Developers a more secure Financial base to work from, which essentially can lead to more Money beeing spent on development - therefor improving the Game further than if you wouldnt hav that money and security.

So all in all, the Price is reasonable for the benefits if you do care for them but not if you dont see any value in them and only the "we do work for them" point. Which is technically true but i think most Founders dont feel like it when they do submitt bugs and feedback, so it isnt emotinally true for those. (That is kinda fanboydom i'd guess, and the deep wish to experience a great game you were "Part" of)

Nailed the whole thing with that one sentence. If you're not willing to pay $99 for access, then don't pay. I, on the other hand, will reserve the right to spend my money on anything I choose.

You're not looking at it correctly.  You're not paying for it as if it were a full game.  You're paying for four things essentially:

1. A full game that will be released sometime in the future.  
2. The ability to play said game a year or so in advance (before anyone else) and see how it develops.
3. The ability to communicate to the developers your experience/bugs/thoughts/etc. which will have an impact on the finished game.
4. All future DLC, expansions, no questions asked.

Plus, a ton of other things.  So, essentially your paying $30 for everything past number 1.  That's a hell of a deal.  You can't beat it with a stick.   

It helps if you think of it as less buying a game, the way one buys a released game, and more like Stardock's own self-serve Kickstarter.

Would this be a bad time to point out the massive quantity of early access games on Steam, the MMOs selling editions that give you beta access, or all those Kickstarter games where you buy it well ahead of time?

Welcome to the brave new world of game development. Fortunately, for those not interested there's the option of simply waiting for the release version. In the mean time, I recommend grabbing Age of Wonders 3.

Troll, indeed. Let's not feed the trolls. There are those of us who know the value of this, and those who never will. No sense in arguing with them or trying to convert them. Time best spent helping the developers. We'll spend our money the way we want, and they can spend it they way they want. Never the twain shall meet...

(My first and last time spent on a troll.)

Good idea.