After Gaea released its first 3.0 beta version, I believe most people pre-ordered it. They were then told they would receive the test version in March, followed by a delay and a promise that the test version would be released in July. Currently, there’s still no news. Does this mean that our pre-ordering was pointless?
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Hi @RedPerpper!
First up, please accept our apologies for the wait here. We know it’s taking time. I know it’s frustrating to see deadlines shift.
This is usually why we don’t provide specific timetables for software development.
Things happen.
Issues crop up.
Software dev is volatile even on a good day. You fix one bug, 10 more pop up as a consequence of fixing that one bug. Add a feature, break something else. Fix that, more bugs pop up. Scope expands. We’re working on it as fast as we can - we say it often that we’re a small team. That isn’t an excuse, just the reality of it - we’re doing the best we can to do right by all of you.
With regard to preordering, you should have received a discounted license for buying early if you picked up G3 during the November sale. Otherwise, you received a copy of Gaea 2 and a free copy of Gaea 3. So preordering was definitely not pointless at all.
I anticipate you’ll see some good news in the very near future. Keep in mind that software development is volatile, though. We’re doing what we can to do right by you because our customers are incredibly important to us.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or comments.
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I don’t think the problem necessarily is with Gaea 3 being delayed. I think the majority of people that jumped on board did so, hoping for the best possible product they could get their hands on when it was ready and accepting it’ll take time. Even in the early access stage. I know it’s why I took the plunge back last year, it pulled me over the line to get Gaea 2 and join the wait for 3.
What I do feel could be improved, is the communication surrounding it. Delays are inevitable, but as far as I’ve been able to find, every estimate (calling them deadlines would be a discredit to the work you guys are putting in) has passed without any word.
The March estimate not being reached was only commented on in April. The new estimate was posted in June and aimed for July, but that not being reached was only just commented on in August, by your post above mine.
I understand you are a small team and that you have a million other things to be doing. But I’d personally appreciate a bit more open communication when an estimate appears to not be reached. Not expecting any details on why, or how, but I’d appreciate just a “Hey, we’re not making it by xyz.”.
That way, I won’t be searching my spam folder for any mails I might have missed about a beta that hasn’t launched yet. 
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We know that communication can be improved as well - so don’t feel bad for pointing it out. We’re not perfect, but we’re trying to improve.
More news should be coming soon, provided nothing unexpected crops up.