After raising nearly $40 million to fund development of the highly anticipated real-time strategy game Stormgate, developer Frost Giant Studios is now giving fans the opportunity to invest directly in the company’s future success. Frost Giant recently opened reservations for an upcoming “crowd-equity campaign” slated to kick off in March.
The equity crowdfunding drive allows supporters to literally buy shares in Frost Giant Studios, rather than just receiving game rewards as with a standard Kickstarter. It represents a major vote of confidence in Stormgate’s profit potential and Frost Giant’s capabilities. However, the risks and regulations involved make this very different from typical video game fundraising campaigns.
Frost Giant sees fan investment as a way to further bolster Stormgate’s marketing and expand beta access ahead of the planned early access launch this summer. The additional funds will help Frost Giant deliver features and polish that might be out of reach otherwise.
Massive Budget Needs Drive Additional Fundraising Despite Millions Raised
However, some may wonder why Frost Giant needs more money after already raising over $35 million from investors and $2.3 million on Kickstarter. Frost Giant acknowledges that while these sums seem substantial, modern AAA development budgets often reach hundreds of millions when accounting for marketing costs.
Frost Giant also aims to maintain independence and creative control, avoiding reliance on big publishers that often prioritize short-term profits over developers and players. Fan investment is a way to sustain the studio’s vision on its own terms.
Share Investment Risky but Enticing for Believers in Stormgate’s Profit Potential
Of course, supporters should understand the risks involved in any speculative investment. There are no guarantees, and shareholders could potentially lose their entire contribution if Stormgate fails to meet sales expectations.
Still, belief in the veteran Frost Giant team and excitement for Stormgate makes this opportunity enticing for dedicated real-time strategy fans. Stormgate already ranked as one of the most popular demos during Steam’s Next Fest. If the ambitious franchise lives up to its hype at launch, early shareholders could be handsomely rewarded for their faith.
