Stormgate Microtransactions Criticized by Backers and Fans

Stormgate's Steam early access launch has sparked a divided response among fans and Kickstarter backers. This article explores the concerns raised and the game's current state.

Stormgate's Rocky Launch: A Mixed Bag

Backer Disappointment Over Monetization

Frost Giant Studios' Stormgate, aiming to be a Starcraft II successor, has had a less-than-stellar Steam debut. Despite a successful Kickstarter campaign raising over $2.3 million (against a $35 million initial goal), backers feel deceived by the game's monetization. Those who pledged $60 for the "Ultimate" package expected complete early access content, a promise seemingly unfulfilled.

Many backers supported the project out of passion, hoping to contribute to its 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 identically—double the cost of Starcraft II's equivalent. Many backers, having invested significantly more than $60, expected full early access gameplay. The addition of a new character, Warz, on launch day, without inclusion in Kickstarter rewards, further fueled this sense of betrayal.

"You can take the developer out of Blizzard, but you can’t take Blizzard out of the developer," commented Steam user Aztraeuz, highlighting the irony of backers supporting the game only to encounter microtransactions they didn't anticipate.

Responding to the criticism, Frost Giant Studios acknowledged the misunderstanding regarding Kickstarter bundle content. While claiming to have clarified the bundles during the campaign, they admitted many backers expected the "Ultimate" package to include all early access content. As compensation, they offered the next paid Hero for free to backers at the "Ultimate Founder’s Pack tier and above." However, this excludes Warz, citing prior purchases as preventing retroactive free access.

This concession hasn't fully appeased many, who remain frustrated by the aggressive monetization and underlying gameplay issues.

Addressing Feedback Post-Launch

Stormgate carries significant expectations, developed by Starcraft II veterans. While the core RTS gameplay shows potential, criticism focuses on aggressive monetization, unclear visuals, missing campaign features, weak unit interactions, and unchallenging AI.

This has resulted in a "Mixed" Steam rating, with some labeling it "Starcraft II at home," acknowledging both its potential and its flaws. For a comprehensive review and further analysis, please see our full review (link to be inserted here).