When will real-time strategy games return for good, or is it a coming and going trend? To start off, let’s dig deeper into the extraordinary comeback of traditional strategy games and the factors that have contributed to it.
The RTS games have peaked.
Most probably you know this, but in case you played games in the turn of the century, you would bear in mind that the real-time strategy genre was at its peak popularity. Certain titles like Starcraft, War3, and Age of Empires II were the foremost in gaming clans. Such games made the players act fast, strategize well, and coordinate many pieces of the gameplay world concurrently. You did not just play these games, but you lived them.
In a way, the genre came with a huge demand for time, patience, and intelligence on the part of the player. Strategy games offered rewards to players who thought well in advance unlike in first person shooting games where sheer speed and reflexes could guarantee victory. Strategy, as well as tactical gameplay, was one of the reasons that attracted the audience and therefore the fans, who appreciated the complexity and richness of the real time strategy games.
The Strategic Failures of Real Time Strategy Games
Such awesome games as real-time strategy games why have they stayed on the periphery for so long? Low popularity of these games can be explained by several different causes. First of all, the development of other game genres as multiplayer online battle arenas and battle royales attracted a lot of attention. League of Legends, Dota 2, Fortnite, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds are just the tip of the iceberg. Thanks to these games, which understand the players using speed, team play, and competition, the gamers have turned to different types of games.
Moreover, most of the time, real-time strategy hardcore genre was quite difficult to get into. Learning how to play an RTS: It takes a considerable amount of practice. You have to master the art of resource management, controlling several different units, base building and the agonizing relationship of different units and strategies. To put it mildly, this particular game design does not have the broad spectrum of appeal that say, Moba games or easily understood shooting games do.
Lastly, during the past, even most demanded and advanced hardware was not that easy to find in order to smoothly play large scale real time strategy games. It was harder to enjoy high definition graphic, large maps, and complex computer-generated action when there was no advanced gaming console. It is also due to those reasons why real time strategy games were ignored by many casual gamers. They were comparatively hard to pick up at once and did not offer instant gratification to the players.
The Reception of Real-Time Strategy in the Market
Consequently, why are video games such as StarCraft II and Age of Empires IV experiencing a resurgence at this time? The recent surge in popularity of real-time strategy games can be attributed to a few different things.
Emotional Attachment to Certain Experiences
A large number of those who have grown up playing real time strategy games as children are now adults who wish to experience the same games once again. In fact, this element of nostalgia is very strong especially in the context of the remasters and updated versions of age old games that are already present in the market. For instance, Age of Empires IV does bring back the magic that was earlier present in all of the Age of Empires series but this time with better graphics, more fluid gameplay, and advanced features offering a fresh perspective.
Image Name: Starcraft 2 terran nuclear
Improved Availability of Accessibility
Nowadays, high-end gaming and entertainment PCs are more affordable and potent than ever before. More so, as laptops these days are capable of running the latest offering in real time strategy games, there would be more gamers who will be able to play the said genre of games.Additionally, a large number of real-time strategy games are accessible through platforms such as Steam and Game Pass, which makes it simple to download and play these games without making a significant financial investment.
Playability Improvements
Using the elements that were successful in traditional real-time strategy games, developers have added new layers of creativity to create games that are not only tough but also delightful. For example, StarCraft II has introduced new game types and received frequent upgrades, both of which help to maintain the game’s dynamic nature. Age of Empires IV, on the other hand, maintains loyal to its beginnings by including historic battles and a diverse range of units, while also adding new components that modern gamers love.
An E-Sporting Scene
Something that can in part account for the rise of real time strategy genres, is the presence of esports. Thus, more mundane games – such as StarCraft II for instance – have dedicated leisure esports complete with their generous prize packs for the leagues. There are those who can also be encouraged to play the real time strategy games, thanks to watching elite players training their impressive micro control hand skills and the crazy tactics.
A Scene of Esports
The postulations regarding the growth of real time strategy games cannot be done either without the consideration of esports. It means that there are also organizations which hold competitive gaming for example StarCraft II and it’s not shocking as the prize money is huge. It could be that watching some of the best players in their mind-blowing performances performing neat micro-control strategies, impressive ideas, matched with the dispensation of real-time strategies may motivate a lot of players to try out capturing reality within time limits even themselves. There is something that is exhilarating about witnessing a well-coordinated, large-scale combat play out, and it is even more exciting when you are able to accomplish the same exploits yourself.
Modification and the Community
Additionally, the RTS community is a significant contributor to its rebirth. The community surrounding this genre is among the most devoted, and the presence of fan-made mods, custom maps, and tutorials helps to ensure that the essence of the genre continues to thrive. The use of modding tools has become widespread in video games such as Age of Empires IV. These tools enable players to generate new material, share it online, and continuously broaden the attractiveness of the game. If you are a member of the RTS community, you are aware of how important this component is.
Which Game Should You Play? Age of Empires IV or StarCraft II: Which Is Better?
Those who are interested in beginning their journey into the world of real-time strategy games may be curious about which game to begin with. Due to the fact that Age of Empires IV and StarCraft II each provide a unique experience, the following is a brief comparison to assist you in making your decision.
The focus of Age of Empires IV is on historical settings, over which you will exercise influence over empires and guide your civilization to victory. Campaigns and multiplayer possibilities in Age of Empires IV will keep you committed to the game if you are a fan of history and enjoy the process of constructing magnificent cities. Players that enjoy large-scale fights, a wide variety of civilization options, and a game that strikes a balance between economics and martial arts will find this game to be ideal.
On the other side, StarCraft II is more of a science fiction and high-octane military strategy game. You will be able to command the Terrans, Zerg, or Protoss in this universe, which is set in the future. Players that enjoy intense fights, tactical combat, and the ability to make quick decisions will find that StarCraft II is the ideal game for them because it requires quick thinking and a faster-paced gameplay gameplay. In addition, the multiplayer ladder and cooperative objectives provide an advantage over other games that is unparalleled in its competitiveness.
You Should Play Real-Time Strategy Games Right Now
The unique combination of planning, resource management, and exciting warfare that is offered by real-time strategy games is truly unique. The ability to exercise your strategic muscles and put your decision-making skills to the test is something that is unique to real-time strategy games. Many of these games come with extensive campaigns, a wealth of mythology, and an infinite number of multiplayer choices, all of which are designed to keep you going back for more.
There has never been a better moment to get started with real-time strategy games than right now, thanks to the continual release of new games and the revival of classic RTS games. There is a good chance that you will find yourself absorbed in a genre that rewards patience, strategic thinking, and a love for epic battles. This is true whether you are reliving the glory days of Age of Empires or discovering the subtle strategies of StarCraft II.
Final Thoughts
StarCraft II and Age of Empires IV are two examples of games that are leading the way in the real-time strategy genre, which is currently experiencing a rebirth that is well-deserved. RTS games are back and better than ever before because to increased accessibility, communities that are dedicated to the game, and an esports environment that is becoming increasingly passionate. There has never been a better time to dive into these challenging and rewarding games, regardless of whether you have been a fan of the genre for a long time or are just starting out.
Now is the time to put on your headset, turn on your personal computer, and get ready to construct your empire or lead your warriors to victory. Now is the moment to relive the excitement of playing strategy games in real time to the fullest!