Stormgate Microtransactions Draw Backlash

Stormgate’s early access launch on Steam has received a mixed reception from fans and supporters. Read on to learn more about the concerns raised by its Kickstarter backers and the game’s status after its Early Access launch.

Stormgate Launches with Varied FeedbackSupporters Express Discontent Over Stormgate’s Microtransactions

Stormgate, the much-anticipated real-time strategy game aiming to be the spiritual successor to Starcraft II, has had a rocky launch on Steam. The game, which successfully raised over $2.3 million on Kickstarter despite needing $35 million in initial funding, is facing criticism from its backers who feel deceived. Those who pledged $60 for the "Ultimate" package expected to receive the complete early access content, a promise that seems to have been broken.

Many viewed the game as a labor of love by Frost Giant Studios and wanted to support its success. Although the game is advertised as free-to-play with microtransactions, the aggressive monetization strategy has disappointed many backers.

A single campaign chapter—or three missions—costs $10. A single co-op character costs the same, double the price of Starcraft II's. Many pledged $60 and more on Kickstarter to gain access to three chapters and three characters. Having invested a substantial sum, backers believed they would at least fully experience the game during its early access. Sadly, many backers felt betrayed, as a new character, Warz, was added on day one but was not included in the Kickstarter rewards.

"You can take the developer out of Blizzard, but you can’t take Blizzard out of the developer," a Steam reviewer using the username Aztraeuz wrote. "Many of us supported this game because we wanted to see it succeed. A lot of us have spent hundreds of dollars on this game already. Why are there pre-day one microtransactions that we don’t own?"

In response to player criticism, Frost Giant Studios used Steam to address concerns and thank players for their support.

Despite attempting to "make the content in our Kickstarter bundles clear during the campaign," the studio admitted that many anticipated the "Ultimate" bundles to include all the gameplay content "available for our Early Access release." As a goodwill gesture, they declared that all Kickstarter and Indiegogo backers who pledged at the "Ultimate Founder’s Pack tier and above" will receive the next paid Hero for free.

However, the studio specified that this offer excludes the already released Hero, Warz, as many "have already acquired Warz", which makes them "unable to make him free retroactively."

Despite this compromise, many still express frustration over the game’s aggressive monetization strategies and underlying gameplay issues.

Frost Giant Studios Addresses Player Feedback After Early Access Launch

Stormgate bears the weight of expectation. Developed by veterans who worked on Starcraft II, the game aimed to recapture the genre’s golden age. However, players have encountered a mixed reception. While the core RTS gameplay is promising, the game has been criticized for its predatory monetization, blurry visuals, missing campaign features, weak unit interactions, and unchallenging AI.

These issues have resulted in a "Mixed" rating on Steam, with many players calling it "Starcraft II at home." Despite these flaws, our review emphasized the game’s potential and room for improvement in areas like narrative and visuals.

For a more thorough look at our thoughts on Stormgate’s Early Access, check out our full review below!