Frost Giant has released a new developer update trailer for its upcoming RTS Stormgate, alongside a developer interview during the PC Gaming Show. The update also shows off in-engine pre-alpha footage of the gameplay.
Stormgate is being described as taking place in a post-apocalyptic setting that mixes sci-fi elements with fantasy. The story takes place hundreds of years in the future after a calamity that almost caused humanity to go extinct. The calamity was caused by one of the playable races—the Infernal Horde.
The story will be told through a series of campaign missions that can be played solo as well as co-op with a friend. New chapters will be released over time, alongside new units, maps, and modes.
Stormgate is also set to have an emphasis on competitive multiplayer. Frost Giant is stating that it is going for a grassroots approach to esports, accessible from directly in the game. It will feature different leagues, suitable for all skill levels.
There will also be a 3-player co-op vs. AI mode where players level up heroes, collect rewards, and customise their forces to change up gameplay in the mode.
While Stormgate will be free-to-play, Frost Giant is making a definitive statement by saying that the game will not feature pay-to-win elements, nor will it feature any NFTs.
Frost Giant CEO Tim Morten spoke further about the game during the event. “It is classical strategy, but designed to be more social,” said Morten.
In keeping with the social aspect, Stormgate will feature different game modes for different kinds of players who prefer different types of gameplay.
Morten speaks about how RTSes are one of the only genres where hundreds, sometimes thousands, of units have to be shown on screen at the same time, completely synchronised between all the players in a match. Stormgate is making use of Unreal Engine 5 as its engine, with modifications made to support the large number of units.
Stormgate doesn’t yet have a release date, but it will be getting a beta in 2023. Those interested can sign up on the official website.