[Spoo]

I'm somewhat torn. On one hand I'll be getting several new features and continued support for the best 4x game ever (I've already ordered SEIV GOLD). On the other hand, it seems that Shrapnel and MM are trying to componsate for the lost income from illegal copies - which I think they are entitled to. However, how far will this go? Releasing a new CD will not stop illegal copies. Is there going to be an SEIV PLATINUM next year? Sure no one HAS to buy anything else, but the fact of the matter is a game like this is at its best when played with other people. Older Versions are not compatable with newer ones. In order for people to stay with PBW (or the new TCP/IP), they have to buy the new Version. It's not really a question of "Do you want drones?" it's a question of "Do you want to keep playing SEIV?" I do. However, some people might just find it easier to get an illegal copy of SEIV GOLD. After all, they already paid for SEIV once... And all of the other patches were free... (And no, I'm not suggesting pirating is at all appropriate, but I know how people think.)

You can declare me a heretic if it makes you feel better, but you have to consider the fact that the new features don't need a new CD to work. This is simply a case of Shrapnel and MM asking for more money. But that's what businesses do. And they'll get my money, and I imagine the money of many others on this forum. It's just that I'd hate to think that those of us who paid for SEIV and will pay for SEIV GOLD are being used to cover the losses for the people who have, and will continue to, pirate the the game.