The Early Adoption Program originated in a promotion by Mindscape, who gave away 250 copies of Creatures prior to its official US release in July 1997 (see history). This program was revamped for Creatures 2, the idea being that the 75 members of the EAP would receive two free advance copies of the game, two norndolls and a mystery gift, in exchange for writing reports on the game. The program was scheduled to begin in July 1998. Many in the Creatures Community also felt bitter about not being selected for the EAP: