Longest Running Strategy Game Franchises

Key Takeaways

The Total War franchise excels in epic scale strategy gameplay across various periods and adaptations.
The Civilization series remains a mainstream favorite with addictive gameplay and historical depth.
The Age of Empires franchise offers a rich RTS experience, spanning history and offering vibrant portrayal of the past.

As someone who grew up playing these legendary games, I must say that each one of them holds a special place in my heart and has played a significant role in shaping my love for strategy gaming.

In earlier times, creating detailed, realistic graphics was challenging. However, a smart solution emerged by viewing the world from a broader perspective, which appeared more authentic. This approach might have contributed to the early popularity of strategy games in the video game industry, giving rise to numerous enduring franchises that continue today.

Over a considerable period of time, these strategy game series, which traverse vast continents in their tales of wandering warlords or transcend temporal boundaries and delve into the realm of fantasy, have had remarkable and notable journeys, making them worth celebrating.

5 Total War

2000-2024 / 24 Years

Began in 2000 with Shogun: Total War.
Soon ventured into other historical settings, like the Medieval and Roman periods.
Evolved to take on greater challenges, like adapting the very popular Warhammer universe.

Among the classic dreams shared by gamers is the ability to replicate massive battles and take charge of the strategic decisions that lead to victory. Not many series manage this quite as effectively as Total War, which has consistently combined intricate tactical strategy on a battlefield with a broader, civilization-wide perspective across multiple historical eras, both real and imagined.

Despite the fact that the popular series “Total War” has always had a devoted fanbase, it’s challenging not to envision its popularity eclipsed by the debut of the recently released “Total War: Warhammer 3“, marking the culmination of a trilogy of games that meticulously adapted the expansive and diverse “Warhammer” universe. This game offers a multitude of play styles, catering to various factions, and delves into an even grander world. It truly represents the pinnacle of the franchise, making it a must-play for every strategy gaming enthusiast.

4 Civilization

1991-2016 / 25 Years

Beginning back in 1991 with the original Civilization on PC.
Evolved and grew in popularity, peaking around Civilization 5 and Civilization 6.
A new entry is on the way (which would actually put it at the top of this list if it were released).

Strategy gamers may not be widely represented in mainstream gaming, but they do have their flagship – the Civilization franchise. This game series, created by Sid Meier, starts with a basic concept: growing a historical civilization, expanding it, and eventually conquering a map using the 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) principles. Despite being initially introduced, this beloved game series remains popular even in today’s modern gaming era.

The games are renowned for their captivating “one more round” gameplay structure, constantly introducing fresh building options and units as cities expand exponentially under the guidance of a diverse array of leaders that players can assume control over. While the core principles have significantly evolved from the initial release, each new version serves as a significant landmark in the strategy gaming world’s timeline.

3 Age Of Empires

1997-2023 / 26 Years

Began in 1997 with the original Age of Empires release.
Developed and quickly peaked with the widely beloved Age of Empires 2.
Continues to this day with Age of Empires 4 and its various DLC releases.

In the world of mainstream gaming, where the series “Civilization” often leads the discussion on grand strategy, many gamers may find their initial steps into real-time strategy (RTS) games within the “Age of Empires” franchise. Starting in early history and expanding to cover periods up to the Renaissance, “Age of Empires” adapts the familiar RTS principles found in games like “Warcraft” and presents them in a rich, vivid depiction of history.

The games, especially Age of Empires 2, have built up quite a devoted following, with many fans continuing to play a modernized version of Age of Empires 2 today. This game has even gained recognition as an e-sport and serves as an excellent starting point for real-time strategy (RTS) gaming. Age of Empires is undeniably one of the legends in strategy gaming, and its longevity speaks volumes about its mechanical ingenuity.

2 Warcraft

1994-2020 / 26 Years

Beginning in 1994 with Warcraft: Orcs & Humans.
Continuing into Warcraft 2 and reaching peak popularity with Warcraft 3.
The most recent release was the controversial remake of Warcraft 3.

While many are familiar with Azeroth from the hugely popular MMO game “World of Warcraft”, it’s worth noting that this world was first imagined and brought to life in the “Warcraft” series, a collection of strategy games known for their captivating storytelling and visual innovation. Each new addition to the series pushed the boundaries graphically.

The franchise reached its height in popularity at the time when Warcraft 3 was launched. This game stood out due to its advanced animated sequences, and it significantly influenced the gaming culture with the heart-wrenching tale of Arthas’ transformation into the Lich King. It is considered one of the finest stories in gaming, and it introduced some of the strongest characters in the lore.

1 The Settlers

1993-2023 / 30 Years

Beginning in 1993 with The Settlers.
Reached a popular peak with The Settlers 2 in 1996.
Was rebooted in 2023 with The Settlers: New Allies.

It’s quite likely that many gamers are unfamiliar with the series known as The Settlers. However, even though it may not be widely recognized, this franchise holds significant historical importance. It was a pivotal moment when traditional “German-style” strategy board games were digitalized by The Settlers, marking a turning point in the design principles of strategy games that followed.

The game predominantly goes by the name of an economic Real-Time Strategy (RTS), where players don’t directly manage units but rather establish certain conditions for them and buildings to follow. This leads to intricate supply chains, which may initially seem uninteresting, but when everything works smoothly, it delivers a level of satisfaction that surpasses many other games. Despite some outdated versions that are no longer playable, its significant impact on strategy game history justifies its recognition.

2024-10-10 17:33