Frost Giant Studios is thrilled to announce that Stormgate, their eagerly awaited real-time strategy (RTS) game, has officially launched in Early Access on Steam and is now available for free! Whether you’re gaming on a Windows PC or through NVIDIA’s GeForce Now cloud platform, you can now dive into the action. Stormgate offers a variety of gameplay modes, including intense 1v1 battles, 3-player Co-op Missions, custom 2v2 team games, and a sneak peek at the initial set of Campaign missions. As the development team continues to refine and enhance the game, these features provide just a glimpse of what’s to come.
Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth in a unique science-fantasy universe, Stormgate pits players against each other in an epic struggle for survival. Humanity is still reeling from a catastrophic invasion by demonic forces, and players must choose to lead one of three distinct factions in this ongoing war. The Vanguard represents humanity’s last line of defense, deploying rocket-powered mechs and loyal robot dogs. The Infernal Host brings chaos with its demonic brutes and dragons that spew pestilence, while the Celestial Armada, a mysterious faction of angelic Biosynths, commands a deadly Machine Legion. Each faction offers unique gameplay mechanics, units, Heroes, and strategies, ensuring no two battles are the same.
Early Access Marks the Start of an Exciting Journey
Frost Giant Studios is clear that Early Access is just the beginning. “Early Access is just the beginning of our journey, not the end. We’re committed to making Stormgate a game shaped by our community’s feedback and passion,” said Tim Morten, CEO and Production Director. He emphasized that the progress made so far is a direct result of player collaboration, and the studio is eager to continue evolving the game alongside its community. Early Access is seen as a vital phase for listening, learning, and growing the game in partnership with players.
Tim Campbell, President and Game Director, has shared detailed insights into the team’s priorities moving forward, as outlined in the developer blog “The Road Ahead for Campaign.” Community feedback will play a crucial role as Stormgate evolves, with recent updates already reflecting player input. The development roadmap includes various priorities, from campaign progress and visual enhancements to performance improvements and the introduction of new features like a competitive 3v3 team mode. The team plans to remain in Early Access for at least a year, actively refining the game. Players can also look forward to the release of a powerful editor that will allow them to create and share their own maps, mods, and custom games using the same tools the developers use.
A Modern Twist on Classic RTS Gameplay
Stormgate revitalizes classic RTS gameplay with modern innovations that make it more accessible and enjoyable. One such innovation is the “BuddyBot,” a feature designed to assist co-op players of all skill levels. Whether you’re new to RTS or a seasoned veteran, BuddyBot can help manage the game’s economy and base-building, reducing the need for high actions per minute (APM) and allowing players to focus on strategy. Automated control groups and a quick macro panel further simplify gameplay, lowering the entry barrier without compromising the depth that hardcore players crave.
Powered by Frost Giant’s custom-built SnowPlay technology, Stormgate utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to create the most advanced RTS engine to date. With 64 tick-rate servers—far surpassing the standard 8—Stormgate ensures smooth and responsive gameplay. SnowPlay also introduces rollback technology, minimizing stuttering caused by lag, a first for large-scale RTS games. Additionally, a distributed server infrastructure powered by Hathora enables global matchmaking, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience regardless of players’ locations.
Adding to the game’s allure is a stellar musical score composed by industry veterans, including Frank Klepaki (Dune II, Command & Conquer), Tracy W. Bush (StarCraft, World of Warcraft), David Luis Ortega (Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, DreamWorks), and Nga Weng Chio, whose work on the Celestial faction music earned her a WSA Game Music Award nomination.
Free to Play, Fair to Play
Stormgate is free to play, but it also offers optional in-game purchases that enhance the experience without compromising fairness. Players can unlock full progression for Heroes (all Heroes are free to play until level 5), gain access to additional Campaign chapters as they are developed, or adopt an in-game pet to support the development team. Importantly, Stormgate does not include randomized gacha purchases or pay-to-win microtransactions, ensuring that the competitive experience remains balanced and enjoyable for all.
As Stormgate continues to grow and evolve, Frost Giant Studios is committed to delivering a game that not only honors the legacy of classic RTS games but also pushes the genre forward with modern innovations and community-driven development.
