Stormgate Microtransactions Face Backlash from Supporters

Stormgate's Steam early access launch has generated mixed reactions from fans and Kickstarter backers. This article explores the concerns raised and the game's current state.

Stormgate's Uneven Debut

Backer Disappointment Over Monetization

The highly anticipated RTS game, aiming to be a Starcraft II successor, has experienced a rocky start. Despite raising over $2.3 million on Kickstarter (with an initial goal of $35 million), backers feel misled by the monetization strategy. Those who pledged $60 for the "Ultimate" bundle expected complete early access content, a promise seemingly unmet.

Many backers supported the project out of passion, hoping to contribute to Frost Giant Studios' success. While advertised as free-to-play with microtransactions, the aggressive monetization model has left a bitter taste.

Individual campaign chapters (three missions) cost $10, and co-op characters are priced the same – double the cost of Starcraft II's. Backers who invested $60 or more anticipated full early access gameplay, but felt betrayed by the omission of the day-one character, Warz, from their Kickstarter rewards.

A Steam review by Aztraeuz sums up the sentiment: "You can take the developer out of Blizzard, but you can’t take Blizzard out of the developer...Why are there pre-day 1 microtransactions that we don’t own?"

Frost Giant Studios responded on Steam, acknowledging that many backers misinterpreted the "Ultimate" bundle's scope and thanking players for their support. As compensation, all backers who pledged at the "Ultimate Founder’s Pack tier and above" will receive the next paid Hero for free (excluding Warz, as many had already purchased it).

Despite this, frustration persists over the aggressive monetization and underlying gameplay issues.

Frost Giant Addresses Post-Launch Feedback

Stormgate carries significant expectations, developed by Starcraft II veterans. While the core RTS gameplay shows promise, criticisms include aggressive monetization, unclear visuals, missing campaign features, weak unit interactions, and an unchallenging AI.

These issues have resulted in a "Mixed" Steam rating, with some calling it "Starcraft II at home." However, reviews also highlight the game's potential for improvement in areas like narrative and visuals. For a comprehensive review of Stormgate's Early Access, see our full review.