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]
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]
(*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]
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]
