Age of Empires Designer Thinks RTS Games Need to Evolve

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As a gamer with decades of gaming experience under my belt, I must admit that the real-time strategy (RTS) genre seems to be stuck in a time warp. Games like Age of Empires, Command and Conquer, and StarCraft were the backbone of my youth, but it’s disheartening to see them feeling more like antiquated relics than modern gaming marvels.

Dave Pottinger, who has worked on some of my all-time favorite RTS games, is spot on when he says the genre needs a wake-up call. It’s clear that many developers are still clinging to what worked 20 years ago rather than catering to the tastes and preferences of today’s gaming crowd.

Innovation is the lifeblood of any genre, and it seems that RTS developers have forgotten this crucial fact. Take Stormgate for instance – a game that aims to recreate the magic of StarCraft and Warcraft III. I appreciate the nostalgia trip, but we need more than just a carbon copy of what came before.

Pottinger’s anecdotes about the development of Age of Empires 3 are enlightening. Trying something new and messing with an established formula is indeed a risky business, but one that needs to be taken if we want to see the genre evolve. I only wish they hadn’t pulled back on formation-based combat in Age of Empires 3 – it sounded like a game-changer!

That being said, not all hope is lost for the RTS genre. Pikmin 4 has managed to breathe new life into the genre by blending strategy with puzzle solving, platforming, and unit management, all while keeping things accessible for players of all skill levels.

I’m excited to see what Dave Pottinger and his team at Last Keep Games are cooking up with Project Citadel – I just hope they don’t forget to add a sprinkle of innovation in their recipe! After all, even the gods need a little bit of creativity to keep their followers happy. And if things get too serious, who knows? Maybe we’ll see some ancient mythical creatures using smartphones for unit management – now wouldn’t that be a sight to behold?

Currently, the real-time strategy genre isn’t experiencing the same level of popularity as it did in the mid to late 1990s. Back then, games such as Command and Conquer, StarCraft, and Age of Empires were at the height of their fame, dominating the gaming world. However, today, these games seem more like ancient artifacts than cornerstones of the gaming industry.

Dave Pottinger, having previously contributed to titles such as Age of Empires, Age of Mythology, and Halo Wars, expresses a need for the strategy game genre to be reinvigorated or given a fresh start.

During a conversation on the VideoGamer Podcast, he points out that the genre often leans on strategies successful two decades back, instead of adapting to the preferences of modern gamers.

He remarks, “You seem to be stuck with the same game dynamics we had two decades ago. When I look at modern games like ‘Stormgate’, I can’t help but notice they still heavily rely on that original structure.

The Real-Time Strategy Genre Has Mostly Relied on Nostalgia Instead of Moving Forward

In essence, Pottinger’s observation holds water. A lot of prominent Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game releases today seem to capitalize on what was successful decades ago. The allure of Stormgate during development lay in the fact that Frost Giant Studios team members were formerly from Blizzard Entertainment, as they aimed to create an RTS game akin to StarCraft and Warcraft III.

He’s clearly thrilled about the comeback of the genre, yet he advises creators to think ahead and push boundaries. Reflecting on Age of Empires 3 development, he remembers that experimenting with a proven concept and taking risks can be terrifying. It might not pan out as planned, and even if it does, you could lose the loyalty of long-term fans. Ensemble Studios was mindful of this challenge.

In certain instances within the Age series, we ventured a bit too near to the danger zone. We had to step back and remove some truly innovative features from the game, such as the formation-based combat featured in Age of Empires 3. Incredibly, we even showcased this at E3, but ultimately decided to exclude it because we feared it might alienate too many fans who were already accustomed to the Age franchise.

As a long-time fan of real-time strategy games, I’ve always appreciated the genre for its complexity and depth. However, let me tell you, it can be quite overwhelming at times, especially for those who aren’t as familiar with the mechanics. That’s why I find Pikmin 4 to be a breath of fresh air in the world of RTS games. As someone who has spent countless hours strategizing and micromanaging units, I was initially skeptical about how Pikmin could innovate within this genre. But boy, was I wrong!

This game manages to seamlessly blend strategy with puzzle-solving, unit management, and even platforming elements that make it feel like a unique experience. The accessibility of the game is also commendable, making it easier for newcomers to dive into the world of RTS games without feeling too overwhelmed. Pikmin 4 has truly shown me that the real-time strategy genre can evolve and cater to today’s audience while still retaining its core essence. In my opinion, it’s a must-play for anyone who loves strategy games or is looking to get into the genre.

At Last Keep Games, Potter is currently developing a fresh Intellectual Property titled “Project Citadel.” He’s eager to see how this upcoming project will push the boundaries and lead the gaming genre into new territory.

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2024-12-30 18:10