Stormgate's early access launch on Steam has elicited a range of reactions from fans and backers. Delve into the concerns raised by its Kickstarter supporters and the game's current state post-launch.
Stormgate Launches with Mixed Reviews
Backers Upset Over Stormgate's Microtransactions
Stormgate, the eagerly anticipated real-time strategy game poised to succeed Starcraft II, encountered a rocky start on Steam. Despite raising over $2.3 million on Kickstarter, bolstered by an initial $35 million in funding, the game has drawn criticism from backers who feel deceived. Those who invested $60 in the "Ultimate" bundle anticipated comprehensive early access content, a commitment that seems unfulfilled.
Many viewed the project as a passion project by Frost Giant Studios and were keen to support its success. While the game is promoted as free-to-play with microtransactions, the aggressive monetization approach has left a bitter taste for numerous backers.
A single campaign chapter—or three missions—is priced at $10. Similarly, a single co-op character costs $10, doubling the price of characters in Starcraft II. Backers who pledged $60 or more expected access to three chapters and three characters. Feeling let down after substantial financial contributions, many were dismayed to find that a new character, Warz, was introduced on launch day but not included in the Kickstarter rewards.
"You can take the developer out of Blizzard, but you can’t take Blizzard out of the developer," remarked Steam reviewer Aztraeuz. "Many of us backed this game hoping for its success. We've invested hundreds of dollars already. Why are there pre-day 1 microtransactions that we don't own?"
In response to the outcry, Frost Giant Studios used Steam to address these concerns and express gratitude for player support.
The studio admitted that despite efforts to clarify the content in Kickstarter bundles during the campaign, many expected the "Ultimate" bundles to include all gameplay content available during early access. As a conciliatory gesture, they pledged to provide the next paid Hero free of charge to all Kickstarter and Indiegogo backers at the "Ultimate Founder’s Pack tier and above."
However, they noted that this offer does not extend to the already released Hero, Warz, as many players "have already purchased Warz," making it "impossible to offer him for free retroactively."
Despite this goodwill gesture, dissatisfaction persists over the game's aggressive monetization and underlying gameplay issues.
Frost Giant Studios Addresses Player Feedback After Early Access Launch
Stormgate shoulders high expectations, crafted by Starcraft II veterans aiming to revive the genre's glory days. Yet, players have faced a mixed experience. While the core RTS gameplay holds promise, the game has been faulted for its aggressive monetization, unclear visuals, missing campaign features, lackluster unit interactions, and an AI that fails to challenge.
These factors have led to a "Mixed" rating on Steam, with some players dubbing it "Starcraft II at home." Despite these flaws, our review acknowledges the game's potential and the opportunity for enhancements in areas such as narrative and graphics.
For a more comprehensive look at our take on Stormgate's Early Access, explore our full review below!
