Let the games begin.  Great work SD, and thanks again.

Good!  Because this engine deserves to grow and evolve.  FE was a significant leap forward.  I hope you are someday able and/or willing to double back to add dynasties and minor factions to spice things up.  I'd buy that expansion. 

Great news!

People talk all about sales, but let's not forget that other bit which is important for FE. If I was Derek Paxton (which I'm not) and signed up to develop FE, I'd tell Frogboy that he'd already sold 80 000 copies for free to early E:wom adopters. As such, it will also be important what those customers think of FE, in addition to looking at the sales numbers. How many times did Frogboy say that FE will be "making it up" (paraphrased) to those who were disappointed in E:wom?

I'd be willing to sacrifice my left earlobe if this wasn't a big clause in how Stardock are going to determine if FE is a success or not.

Congratulations!

But we need a meta critic score of 7.9 or less to avoid the giant bonus for Derek which would bankrupt Stardock!

I'v played all kings bounty series. Must say it was one of the best games, i had lots of hours of enjoying it. Beautiful graphics, challenging and tactical combats, lots of strategies and new ideas to test.

FE shines in its idea itself: conquer the world first then fight your oponents. But i feel a little of failure in the second part because of many AI problems, however i have a hope that they wont let it be like this and some things will be made better. For me this game is definatelly successfull , but it need just a bit of more attention to become polished and shiny I think thats the reason why is it getting 4/5 instead of 5/5. Everyone uderstands that it canot be perfect on 1.0 so lets wait and see.

I don't get mine until Christmas... stupid rules etc... (yes I am an adult, but I still have to play the game)

Also, consider how different things are after FE's release than they were at WoMs release.  Massive difference. The forums back then were exploding with legitimate complaints, vile rants, asking for refunds, and it didn't go away for months.  What do we have with FE, a pretty general recognition that the game is good, a few minor bugs here and there being reported, and some balance ideas being batted around, even the complaints are pretty mild or an issue of preference.  It's been nice.

That is great news.

They are playing - but are they enjoying?

 I wish you all the best for your marriage. Let it be full of love, mutual understanding, empathy without unnecessary words and a bunch of nice plump kids  ... and lots of GAMES of course!!!

(and hopefully it won't end like my marriage did, fingers crossed)