Stormgate's Early Access launch on Steam has sparked a heated debate among fans and backers. The real-time strategy game, aiming to revive the spirit of Starcraft II, has faced significant criticism concerning its monetization model.

Initial Backer Disappointment

Despite raising over $2.3 million on Kickstarter, Stormgate's aggressive microtransactions have angered many backers. Those who pledged for the "Ultimate" package, expecting complete early access content, feel misled. The cost of individual campaign chapters ($10 for three missions) and co-op characters ($10 each) has been met with considerable backlash, particularly considering the substantial sums some backers invested. The addition of a new character, Warz, on launch day, without inclusion in Kickstarter rewards, further fueled the discontent. Many backers, having invested significantly, feel cheated out of the full early access experience they anticipated. One Steam reviewer aptly summarized the sentiment: "You can take the developer out of Blizzard, but you can’t take Blizzard out of the developer."

Frost Giant Studios Responds

In response to the negative feedback, Frost Giant Studios acknowledged the misunderstanding surrounding the Kickstarter bundles and offered the next paid Hero for free to "Ultimate Founder’s Pack" backers and above. However, this exclusion of the already-released Warz character further intensified the controversy.

Ongoing Concerns

Despite the studio's attempt at damage control, significant concerns persist. The game's "Mixed" Steam rating reflects widespread criticism of its monetization, visuals, limited campaign features, underwhelming unit interactions, and unchallenging AI. While the core RTS gameplay shows potential, many players are left feeling disappointed by the execution, with some labeling it "Starcraft II at home" but falling significantly short. The issues highlight the challenges of balancing free-to-play models with fair pricing and maintaining the integrity of a Kickstarter-funded project. Further improvements in story, visuals, and overall gameplay are crucial to address the concerns and meet the expectations of its passionate fanbase.