Stormgate is a Free-to-Play RTS with Social Features
Stormgate is a new free-to-play RTS that is being produced by developer Front Giant Studios. This game is being crafted with the newly minted Unreal Engine 5. The setting will be a post-apocalyptic landscape where there are different factions of humans and creatures scrambling around trying to survive. This new studio was established back in 2020 by ex-Blizzard developers. So, this is a good indicator of what to expect in terms of this game’s aesthetics and dynamics. However, Stormgate will be taking things to the next level by having players have full control over what kind of game they want. There will be a full-blown game editor in this title, offering unlimited potential on what kind of quests and epic battles can unfold. Of course, there will be story-based missions to complete, much like in Warcraft. The thing is that with Stormgate, the main appeal will be with the multiplayer aspect to it.
Even though Unreal Engine 5 is being used, Stormgate will still have the same animated flare as Blizzard’s older game had. This tool is being used for enhancements in gameplay as opposed to art design. The Unreal Engine 5 is truly next-gen with its visual prowess but in this particular case, it’s going to be used for the sole purpose of creating battles never seen in an RTS before. Hundreds of different units can be summoned to go to battle on a variety of tile sets. The screen will be flooded with activity all while running on 4K resolution. This game is going to have a unique blend of genres mixed together. A weird soup of fantasy and science-fiction conjoining together to create the ultimate RTS experience. Let’s not forget the fact that after the campaign is complete, there will be unlimited hours available for the online experience that will last an entire generation.
Future on Fire
The story takes place hundreds of years in the future when the mysterious Stormgate suddenly opened up, allowing alien invaders known as “Demon Infernals” to take over the planet. The spirit of humankind endured, having them scramble up whatever they had left in the ruins of civilization to fight back. Now, with the help of oversized mechs and other machinery, humans must take back what is rightfully theirs. Now, it’s worth pointing out that both sides are completely playable. Players are free to take either side in this war. Much like with any other RTS, the name of the game is to go out and find resources to build up bases and other structures. In that regard, Stormgate is pretty much a standard RTS. However, what will make this game stand apart from its brethren will be the fact that this title will be totally social. Which, by the way, will be the first of its kind.
Players can play either PvP or against AI cooperatively. There will be a myriad of cooperative modes to try out, too. This also includes the actual campaign missions themselves. Players can team up and help each other out to complete the epic storyline. Up to three players can join in and slay the Demon Infernals or Humans alike. There will also be a built-in tournament system ready to go whenever a player feels the itch to stand toe to toe against another gamer. The matchmaking in Stormgate will be top-tier. There will be advanced ranked matches where players around the world will be outwitting each other with similar skill levels. Thusly, players will also be able to set up their own matches and even attend special grassroots events. On top of that, they can also do their own tournaments and even see if they can sign up for professional esports outings, all from the game itself.
Mechanically Inclined
As mentioned before, Stormgate will be a free-to-play title in all aspects. There won’t be any pay-to-win angles to deal with. Players will be able to enjoy all the content available the moment this title drops. The cherry on top of all this will be the story editor which will be installed in the game. Players will be able to custom-make their own maps, units, and even their own scripts. Players will also be able to publish their work to share with the world. Thus, they will also be able to get feedback on their work. Naturally, the more thought they put behind their stories, the better the data will be. Even with all the inspiring game developers out there, Stormgate could offer a little something to cut their teeth and somewhat make a name for themselves.
With all that said, Stormgate is offering a little something for everyone. Considering that there is the talent behind this title who also worked on Warcraft and Starcraft, this game is something to keep an eye on. The content that will be available will come with a certain amount of depth and flexibility. Gamers will have the tools to craft any adventure they want after they completed the campaign. Since Unreal Engine 5 will be the heart of the design schematics with Stormgate, the only limit players will have when making their own adventures will be their own imagination. The choices that players will have in making their own stories will be immense. Chances are, they can make epic storylines that will almost be as robust as the campaign itself. Only time will tell to see what kind of things the player base can conjure up with this game’s editor.
Opening the Gate
Currently, there is a Beta planned for the public sometime in 2023. An actual release date for Stormgate is still a long way off. However, the general information that is available is enough to garner attention even from the most hardened RTS fan. There’s a lot on this game’s plate. With all the popular RTSs out there, Stormgate can easily climb its way to the top, as long as the gaming community gives it a chance. Hopefully, the developers will soon announce a release window, but that probably won’t happen until later this year.