I find it completely dumb that they won't give a refund because its missing multiplayer.  Apparently missing a huge chunk of the game doesn't count as a "technical issue".  Stardock has pretty much lost all of my respect at this point.

With the current state of the game I really wonder if multiplayer is anywhere near ready.  Probably they just started adding multiplayer on the 24th.

The "refund" topic is actualy one of the biggest doubt I have atm, I personally know at least 4 people who got it, no question asked in the last 48 h, but apparently a lot of people are posting in the forums about the customer support running in circle, I have no reason to believe such people are lying so I don't know what to say!

As for MP, I can understand that's a MAJOR letdown, but in my view, at this point we all know more or less about the problems elemental had at launch, you can either stick with it and help the restoration project (admittedly having to spend 40 euros just to do that could be considered lame by some people) or decide it is not your cup of tea.

For those in the latter category, try to get a refund or leave the game on the shelf for 4-6 months. For the rest, Multiplayer should be a non-issue, mainly because if the fundamental parts of the game are flawed, you'll hardly have a satisfactory (ahem, spelling?) multiplayer experience, while the resources needed to support and balance multiplayer could be used to balance the game and squash the bugs still remaining after 1.7

That said (and please, don't get me wrong, all the above is just an opinion) I think the Devs are intentioned to make MP available as soon as possible

Stardock didn't make Demigod.

the Demigod issue has been fully explained many times now, but most recently Brad said three paragraphs worth on the 5th.  Here's a partial quote and the link:

"Q: Your act is getting old. Fool me once on Demigod, fool me twice, shame on me! [got this too in various forms]

A: The Demigod debacle ultimately resulted from a fundamental communication failure between the publisher (Stardock) and the developer (Gas Powered Games). It took us a long time to figure out exactly how the connectivity issue occurred (i.e. many months)."

https://forums.elementalgame.com/395485/page/2/#2759121

as for multiplayer, in that very same thread, Brad says this:

"Q: What is Stardock’s plan for Elemental going forward?

A: For the immediate future we’re going to go down two paths. First, the v1.0x versions will continue to focus largely on compatibility (crashing or weird video issues) as well as bugs and turning on multiplayer.

Then, we will work on v1.1 which will serve as our answer to player feedback."

and this

"After the release of v1.08 (this week) I intend..."

* I didn't look at the dates properly, I thought this was from after the 5th.  My fault.  I also wanted to add a link to the refund policy:

https://forums.elementalgame.com/395366

True they did explain.  But at what point do explinations become excuses?  When they release a third product that is incomplete?  Next time it might be a communication issue with between the Devs.... 

Actually American laws protect consumers from false advertising last time I checked.  Maybe most American don't realize this.  I think most Americans are ignorant.... Or they think that Game companies are magical and function under different laws than other companies.... or maybe a $50 game isn't worth the trouble since taking legal action in the U.S. can be expensive and time consuming. 

Don't know....

If your really having problems getting a refund.... have you tried the BBB? 

http://www.bbb.org/eastern-michigan/business-reviews/product-sales-general/stardock-corporation-in-plymouth-mi-54002481/

http://www.bbb.org/eastern-michigan/business-reviews/incorporating-companies/stardock-systems-inc-in-plymouth-mi-36011570/

Maybe they can help you out.

I was told the exact same thing.  I bought the game for multiplayer, and its been like a month and its still not here.  They wouldn't give me a full refund for the missing chunk of the game.

I feel like I've been ripped off, but at least now I know that the "Gamers bill of rights" that Stardock wrote was just a publicity stunt to get good will.

But hey, at least Civ 5 is out in a week.  I know they won't disappoint me.