Strategy video game
Overview
A strategy video game is a type of video game that emphasizes skillful thinking and planning to achieve victory. It is a genre that focuses on the strategic and tactical decision-making capabilities of the player. The gameplay can be either turn-based or real-time. Strategy games stand out for their complexity, with many different elements interacting with each other at any given time.
History
The history of strategy video games is rooted in traditional board games like chess and go, but the first strategy video games emerged in the late 1970s. Early examples include Computer Bismarck and Harpoon. The genre has evolved over the years, with the introduction of real-time strategy (RTS) games in the late 1980s and the rise of multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games in the 2000s.
Gameplay
Strategy video games require players to exercise a high level of strategic and tactical thinking. They often involve managing resources, building structures, researching technologies, creating combat units, and fighting enemies. The player's ultimate goal is typically to destroy the opponents' assets while protecting their own.
Sub-genres
Strategy video games can be divided into several sub-genres, each with its unique characteristics and gameplay mechanics. These include real-time strategy (RTS), turn-based strategy (TBS), multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), and grand strategy games.
Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
Real-time strategy games are a sub-genre of strategy video games where players simultaneously play their turns. The action unfolds in real-time, and players must make decisions and execute actions while the game continues to progress.
Turn-Based Strategy (TBS)
Turn-based strategy games are a sub-genre where players take turns when playing. These games allow players to think about their strategy and take their time to execute their actions, as the game is paused between each turn.
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
Multiplayer online battle arena games are a relatively new sub-genre of strategy video games. They are typically team-based games where players control a single character and work together to destroy the opposing team's main structure.
Grand Strategy Games
Grand strategy games are a sub-genre that typically involves managing a country or empire, with the gameplay focusing on economic, political, and military aspects.
Design and Development
Designing and developing a strategy video game requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and balancing issues. The developers must create a game that is challenging but fair, with a variety of viable strategies for players to explore.
Impact and Influence
Strategy video games have had a significant impact on the video game industry and have influenced many other genres. They have also been used in education and training, as they can help improve problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.