I feel like spending so much on marketing when the game is in the state it is has actively worked against Stormgate

Multiple tournaments, all with competitors/casters flown all over the world. Dozens of streamers, including absolute top-dollar ones like asmong, various twitch bounties, online paid puff pieces etc etc. It's like they wanted to make a big splash on release, but the game very clearly isn't ready to hold up to scrutiny. Early access should've been a time to keep things on the downlow, only let the most patient and enthusiastic fans help carve it out into something ready for the prime time.

All that money put towards marketing has only exposed how undercooked the game is to the general public, when it could've been put towards making a game that courted interest organically.

You only get one chance make a first impression.