Inside the Development of Stormgates (Yes, Those Stormgates)

[p]Hello, Stormgaters, [/p][p]Let’s get this out of the way.[/p][p]You were right.[/p][p]We called the game Stormgate, yet we didn’t actually have any Stormgates. Just vibes, a big fiery red ball in an opening cinematic, and a dream.[/p][p]But that changes now, because we’re about to deploy a feature so obvious, so long-requested, so in-your-face fun that we had to name the whole game after it.[/p][p]Introducing: Stormgates – the all-new, map-shaking, army-melting, strategy-warping feature coming to 1v1 . . . and soon, other modes too![/p][h2]So Long, Creep Camps. Thanks for trying. [/h2][p]You told us. Over and over.[/p][p]“Creep camps don’t feel worth it.”[/p][p]“They’re too risky.”[/p][p]“Why is that demon guy guarding a rock?”[/p][p]We heard you. And then we did the most balanced, thoughtful thing we could: we deleted them.[/p][p]Gone. Poof. Thanos-snapped from existence. We even emptied the recycle bin to make sure.* [/p][p]In their place? Something way more interactive. Way more rewarding. Way more… Stormgate-y.[/p][p]
(*Not ALL Creep camps are gone. We’re replacing Creep camps in our three ladder maps for now–Boneyard, Broken Crown, and a new map, Edge of Oblivion. Our other maps in custom games still include Creep camps.)[/p][h2]What Is a Stormgate?[/h2][p]Imagine a post-demonic invasion world where chaos and strategy reign supreme. Every few minutes, a massive arcane storm generates enough energy for a glowing Stormgate to appear on the battlefield. It pulses. It beckons. It wants to be fought over.[/p][p]And if you’re smart (or just faster than the other guy), you’ll answer the call and smack that thing open.[/p][p]Stormgates spawn at key locations and start a tug-of-war style battle between opponents. They create clear points of contention and lead to epic fights. Whoever deals the most damage to the Stormgate after it activates  wins control.[/p][h2]Why Fight for Stormgates?[/h2][p]Two words: Loot Piñata.[/p][p]When you win a Stormgate and smack it open, you get to pick one of three randomized rewards. These aren't your typical “+2 to Exo” type bonuses. The first Stormgate provides Tier 1 rewards. The second is Tier 2. All future Stormgates up the ante and provide game-winning Tier 3 rewards. [/p][p]What kinds of rewards? We’re talking game-warping stuff like:[/p]

• [p]Soulforge Relic – (Tier 1) Use Dark Creation to clone a friendly unit. Totally balanced. [/p]
• [p]Sky Hunters – (Tier 2) Rock golems with stuns and a taste for air units.[/p]
• [p]Void Prowlers – (Tier 2) A pack of shadowy, cliff-hopping, gap-closing murder-beasts.[/p]
• [p]Swarm Mother – (Tier 3) Relentlessly spits out groups of Swarmlings.[/p]
• [p]Stormcaller Relic – (Tier 3) Opens a Dimensional Storm that damages everything passing through its spiraling vortex. Sure, why not?[/p]

[p]Every Stormgate that spawns is a high-risk, high-reward decision. And if you ignore them? Well, that’s a strategy too. A lonely, slow, probably-about-to-lose strategy. But totally up to you. [/p][h2]Strategy Evolves[/h2][p]Stormgates aren’t just about shiny new toys. In testing, we saw players evolve their whole playstyle around Stormgates. They rerouted pushes, split armies, even coordinated 200 IQ Stormgate snipes while simultaneously defending a flank.[/p][p]They also occasionally exploded in spectacular fashion.[/p][p]Progress![/p][p]Stormgates are more than a new feature. They're a shift in how we want 1v1—and eventually all modes—to feel. They make 1v1 feel more dynamic and rewarding, and just that much more unpredictable, but in a good way. Games become less about slowly choking your opponent out with a 4-base lead, and more about clutch decisions and comeback potential.[/p][p]It’s a big change, but this is just the beginning.[/p][p]We’re looking for you to give us feedback on Stormgates as we are already prototyping new reward types, experimenting with Stormgate timing, and testing how this plays out in team formats. Give it a go and let us know what you think on the official Discord.

Still have questions about Stormgates? Be sure to check out our Reddit AMA this Friday at 10am PT / 18:00 GMT where members of the Frost Giant Studios development team will answer your questions about our newest feature! Ask your questions now: https://www.reddit.com/r/Stormgate/comments/1lffogo/frost_giant_dev_ama_on_the_new_stormgates_system/[/p][h2]Final Thoughts[/h2][p]To everyone who asked, “Where are the Stormgates?”[/p][p]Here they are.[/p][p]They’re big, glowy, and full of power (and pain!)[/p][p]And now, officially… Stormgates are in Stormgate.[/p][p]Most importantly, we hope they make the game more fun![/p]