What is a Real Time Strategy game?
Real Time Strategy was coined by co-founder and president of Westwood Studios at the time, Brett Sperry, as a term used to market Dune 2 (1992). Dune 2 is the first instance of what is recognizably a modern RTS game. These features include:
- Real-time - Real-time strategy games operate without turns, with players (or AI) making simultaneous decisions in a constantly evolving battlefield.
- Totality of Control - RTS games are defined by the player's complete control over every element of their forces. This management encompasses resource collection, construction, unit production, and tactical deployment—commonly divided into "macro" (economy and production) and "micro" (precise unit control).
- Isometric view (not necessary but practical) - RTS typically features isometric view that provides a comprehensive bird's-eye perspective, which helps the player oversee the battlefield and be immersed in a military commander-like experience.
- Different modes of play - It is vital for RTS to give players different ways to play, often one gets started on a new RTS game by playing the campaign as a way to get familiar with the game's mechanics, systems, and to enjoy the narrative that the devs have to tell. Often the mode(s) that endure the longest with the playerbase are competitive modes and various user-customized modes from modding, map-making, custom scenarios, etc.
While victory officially comes through destroying your opponent's base or forces, success often hinges on creating situations where opponents believe defeat is inevitable, prompting surrender before actual elimination occurs.
