"As it turns out, 95 percent of preorders have been for the more expensive package, which Cleveland admits has "really surprised" the team."
I was one of those 95% and I think the primary reason for this is people want to pay him for the original mod. I don't care if NS2 is terrible, in my mind I am paying him for NS1.
NS has a really dedicated fan community - it's not surprising that most would preorder the special edition. I did this myself and even if the game never makes it out, I consider it money well spent for the value NS1 gave me, and to give Charlie and co. the opportunity to build NS2.
"The great thing about the pre-orders is that they have allowed us to hire another programmer (although it took some time to find the right person) and he will help tremendously."
I think it's pretty cool when people know what the preorder money is going into. It allows them to feel like they have a hand in the development of the game. Very impressive stuff for such a small game studio.
I am one of the many that pre-ordered the $40 version. Natural Selection 1 was so good, I wouldn't even mind if they are never even able to get NS2 out the door. I also find it very interesting that one third of their capital was raised this way.
I think they also got something way more valuable than money from the preorders. Now they owe a game to 6000 rabid fans. Sure, they took angel funding before, but honestly, this is a lot more personal.
I was one of those 95% and I think the primary reason for this is people want to pay him for the original mod. I don't care if NS2 is terrible, in my mind I am paying him for NS1.