Stormgate Microtransactions Criticized by Backers and Fans

Stormgate’s early access launch on Steam has been met with a mixed reception from fans and backers alike. Read on to learn more about the issues raised by its Kickstarter backers and the game’s state after its Early Access launch.

Stormgate Launches with Mixed Reviews

Backers Upset Over Stormgate’s Microtransactions

Stormgate, the much-awaited real-time strategy game aiming to be the spiritual successor to Starcraft II, has seen a bumpy launch on Steam. The game, which successfully raised over $2.3 million on Kickstarter despite a hefty $35 million initial funding, is facing backlash from its backers who feel misled. Those who pledged $60 for the "Ultimate" bundle expected to receive the full early access content, a promise that appears to have fallen short.

Many saw the game as a passion-driven endeavor by Frost Giant Studios and wanted to contribute to its success. Although the game is advertised as free-to-play with microtransactions, the aggressive monetization model has soured the experience for many backers.

A single campaign chapter—or three missions—costs $10. A single co-op character costs the same, twice the price of Starcraft II's. Many pledged $60 and more on Kickstarter to gain access to three chapters and three characters. With a significant amount of money already spent, backers thought that they would at least fully experience the game during its early access. Unfortunately, many backers simply felt backstabbed, 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 by the username of Aztraeuz wrote. "Many of us supported this game because we wanted to see it succeed. A lot of us are hundreds of dollars deep into this game already. Why are there pre-day 1 microtransactions that we don’t own?"

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

Despite trying to "make the content in our Kickstarter bundles clear during the campaign," the studio acknowledged that many expected the "Ultimate" bundles to carry all the gameplay content "available for our Early Access release." As a gesture of goodwill, they announced 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 purchased Warz", which makes them "unable to make him free retroactively."

Despite this concession, many continue to express frustration over the game’s aggressive monetization tactics and underlying gameplay problems.

Frost Giant Studios Addresses Player Feedback After Early Access Launch

Stormgate carries the weight of expectation. Developed by veterans who worked on Starcraft II, the game promised to recapture the magic of the genre’s golden age. However, players have encountered a mixed bag. While the core RTS gameplay shows promise, the game has been criticized for its aggressive monetization, muddy visuals, lack of essential campaign features, underwhelming unit interactions, and AI failing to provide a challenge.

These issues have contributed to a "Mixed" rating on Steam, with many players calling it "Starcraft II at home." Despite these shortcomings, our review highlighted the game’s potential and the possibility for improvement in areas like story and visuals.

For a deeper dive into our thoughts on Stormgate’s Early Access, check out our full review below!