Brad:

I've been part of the GalCiv experience from its inception as an OS/2 game.  It was undoubtedly the best-selling piece of software for the platform and it was partially repsonsible for the platform's demise.  (Because of GalCiv, OS/2 caught the eye of Microsoft, who proceded to dismantle it.)

I first got my hands on a pirated copy of the game from someone at work, and I liked it so much I actually went and got a license for it.  Back then, Stardock was a little company that really listened to its customers.  (Anyone here remember John Ominoria and his influence on the game - the Ominorians -  the first "minor" race.)  Back then, all suggestions were taken seriously and the ones that made sense to incorporate were added in.  Now Stardock is quite a bit bigger, but they still maintain the same attitude.  They never forgot that the customers made them and not the other way around.

The amazing thing about this series is that, although bells and whistles were added with regularity, the core experience remained the same.  It was still as addictive as ever, causing many an unproductive day at work due to gaming into the early morning the preceding night.

So as the last page of the last chapter is turned on this wonderful tale that you've spun for us, I'd like to thank you for all the effort the team has made on our behalf, but mostly I salute you, Brad, for having us along for the ride.

Congrats on a job well done!

Bill