Edited By
Julia Forester

A recent release by Slipgate ignited a firestorm of controversy among players when those who purchased a seven-day early access were left feeling scammed. The game, Tempest Rising, became accessible to all users yesterday, regardless of edition. This unexpected move has left many questioning the motives behind the company's decision-making.
On April 19, 2025, gamers who thought they had an exclusive advantage found themselves playing alongside everyone else. The resolution? Slipgate simply removed the standard edition from sale, leading to further frustration.
"The regular edition is still on sale," claimed a user on the forums, shedding light on confusion surrounding access privileges. This situation raises questions about early access practices and communication transparency in the gaming industry.
Three major themes emerged from the discussions around this release:
Game Quality: Despite the controversy, many players expressed satisfaction with Tempest Rising itself. "At least, by all accounts, the game seems to be actually good," one comment read.
Early Access Dilemma: A segment of gamers argued against the existence of early access altogether. "Iโm of the mindset there shouldnโt be an early release date. So, good," said one user, highlighting a sentiment against exclusive access.
Tiered Pricing Criticism: Discussions about pricing tiers turned heated. "Multiple versions or tiers of one game is bullshit price gouging" a user lamented, pointing out a prevalent concern among players regarding monetization practices.
Comments reflect a mix of frustration and approval. Players feel cheated yet appreciate the game's quality, indicating a complicated relationship with Slipgate's marketing strategies.
๐ "At least, by all accounts, the game seems to be actually good."
๐ซ Players criticize the early access model, calling it unnecessary.
๐ฐ Many view tiered pricing as exploitative, fueling discontent.
As the dust settles following this release, tempers cool, but questions linger. Slipgate's recent actions not only affect their reputation but may also spark a larger conversation about gaming ethics in 2025. The gaming community will be keeping a close watch on how they handle the fallout.