Stormgate's Steam early access launch has sparked a mixed reaction from fans and Kickstarter backers. Let's delve into the issues raised and the game's current state.
Stormgate's Rocky Launch: A Look at the Controversy
Backer Backlash: The Microtransaction Debate
Stormgate, aiming to be a spiritual successor to StarCraft II, has faced criticism following its Steam release. Despite raising over $2.3 million on Kickstarter (against a $35 million initial funding goal), backers feel misled by the game's monetization. Those who pledged $60 for the "Ultimate" bundle expected complete early access content, a promise seemingly unmet.
Many backers supported Frost Giant Studios out of passion, hoping to contribute to the game's success. While advertised as free-to-play with microtransactions, the aggressive monetization model has disappointed many. A single campaign chapter (three missions) costs $10, and individual co-op characters cost the same—double the price of a comparable StarCraft II purchase. Backers who invested significantly felt they should have full early access to the game's content. Adding insult to injury, a new character, Warz, was added on launch day but wasn't included in Kickstarter rewards, leaving many feeling betrayed.
"You can take the developer out of Blizzard, but you can’t take Blizzard out of the developer," commented Steam reviewer Aztraeuz. "Many of us supported this game because we wanted to see it succeed. A lot of us are hundreds of dollars deep into this game already. Why are there pre-day 1 microtransactions that we don’t own?"
In response to the backlash, Frost Giant Studios acknowledged the concerns on Steam, thanking players for their support. While claiming to have made Kickstarter bundle content clear, they admitted many expected the "Ultimate" bundle to include all early access content. As a compromise, they offered the next paid Hero free to Kickstarter and Indiegogo backers at the "Ultimate Founder’s Pack tier and above." However, this excludes Warz, as the studio stated many had already purchased him, making retroactive free access impossible.
Despite this gesture, frustration persists over the game's monetization and underlying gameplay issues.
Addressing Feedback: Frost Giant's Response
Stormgate carries significant expectations, developed by StarCraft II veterans. While the core RTS gameplay shows promise, criticism focuses on aggressive monetization, muddy visuals, missing campaign features, underwhelming unit interactions, and an unchallenging AI. These issues have contributed to a "Mixed" Steam rating, with some labeling it "StarCraft II at home." Despite its flaws, the game's potential and room for improvement in areas like story and visuals remain.
For a comprehensive review of Stormgate's Early Access, please see our full review below!
