Stormgate MTX Draws Backlash From Fans

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 Mixed FeedbackSupporters Upset Over Stormgate’s Microtransactions

Stormgate, the highly anticipated real-time strategy game aiming to be the spiritual successor to Starcraft II, has experienced a difficult launch on Steam. The game, which successfully raised over $2.3 million on Kickstarter despite a substantial $35 million initial funding goal, 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 intense monetization model 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 considerable 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 to the game 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 thrive. A lot of us have already invested hundreds of dollars into this game. Why are there pre-day 1 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 trying to "make the content in our Kickstarter bundles transparent during the campaign," the studio acknowledged that many anticipated the "Ultimate" bundles to include all the gameplay content "available for our Early Access release." As a gesture of goodwill, 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 clarified 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 concession, many continue to express dissatisfaction 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 crafted Starcraft II, the game aimed to recapture the genre’s golden age. However, players have experienced a mixed reception. While the core RTS gameplay is promising, the game has faced criticism for its predatory monetization, blurry visuals, missing campaign features, uninspired unit interactions, and AI failing to pose a challenge.

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

For a more thorough examination of our thoughts on Stormgate’s Early Access, see our full review below!