Stormgate's Steam early access launch has sparked a mixed response from fans and Kickstarter backers. This article explores the concerns raised and the game's current state.
Stormgate's Rocky Start: A Mixed Bag of Reviews
Backer Backlash Over Monetization
The highly anticipated real-time strategy (RTS) game, Stormgate – aiming to be a Starcraft II successor – has faced criticism following its Steam debut. Despite a successful Kickstarter campaign exceeding $2.3 million (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 unfulfilled.
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 has disappointed many. A single campaign chapter (three missions) costs $10, and individual co-op characters cost the same – double the price of Starcraft II's. Backers who invested significantly felt entitled to a complete early access experience, especially considering the day-one addition of Warz, a character not included in their Kickstarter rewards.
Steam user Aztraeuz summed 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 content. As a compromise, they offered the next paid Hero for free to all backers at the "Ultimate Founder’s Pack tier and above." However, this excludes Warz, as it was already purchased by many.
Despite this gesture, frustration persists over the monetization and underlying gameplay issues.
Addressing Player Feedback Post-Launch
Stormgate carries significant expectations, developed by Starcraft II veterans. While the core RTS gameplay shows potential, criticisms include aggressive monetization, subpar visuals, missing campaign features, underwhelming unit interactions, and an unchallenging AI. This has resulted in a "Mixed" Steam rating, with some labeling it "Starcraft II at home." Despite its flaws, the game shows promise, particularly with potential improvements in story and visuals. For a complete review, see the link below.
