Gamers Criticize Stormgate In-App Purchases

Stormgate’s early access launch on Steam has been met with a varied reception from fans and backers alike. 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 Contrasting ReviewsBackers Dismayed Over Stormgate’s Microtransactions

Stormgate, the highly-anticipated real-time strategy game aiming to be the spiritual successor to Starcraft II, has witnessed a challenging launch on Steam. The game, which successfully raised over $2.3 million on Kickstarter despite a hefty $35 million initial funding, is facing criticism from its backers who feel deceived. Those who pledged $60 for the "Ultimate" bundle anticipated receiving the complete early access content, a promise that seems to have been unfulfilled.

Many perceived the game as a passion-driven undertaking by Frost Giant Studios and desired to contribute to its triumph. While the game is marketed 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, double the cost of Starcraft II's. Many pledged $60 and more on Kickstarter to gain access to three chapters and three characters. With a substantial amount of money already invested, backers believed they would at least fully experience the game during its early access. However, 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 extract the developer from Blizzard, but you can’t extract Blizzard from the developer," a Steam reviewer by the username of Aztraeuz wrote. "Many of us supported this game because we desired to see it succeed. A significant number of us have already invested hundreds of dollars into this game. Why are there pre-day 1 microtransactions that we don’t possess?"

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 anticipation. 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!