The Enduring Legacy of Real-Time Strategy

Frank Klepacki, a legendary figure in the world of video game music, is well-known for his iconic work on classics like Eye of the Beholder 2. However, at his core, Klepacki identifies primarily as an advocate for the real-time strategy (RTS) genre. He strongly disagrees with the persistent narrative that the RTS category has met its end.


It is undeniable that the genre's prominence has waned since its golden age in the 1990s. During that era, titans such as Command & Conquer, Warcraft, and Dune 2 defined the gaming landscape. Today, while many of those franchises have faded, the genre's influence persists in various forms—though some modern players may not even realize that industry giants like World of Warcraft have their roots in an RTS spin-off.


The Cycle of Genre Popularity

In a recent feature in Edge magazine, Klepacki addressed the skepticism surrounding the genre. He noted that industry observers have been predicting the demise of real-time strategy for over a decade. He remarked:


«There was all of this doom-and-gloom talk about ten years ago, saying, "Oh, we think RTS is dead now—why are you still trying to work on games that are in a genre that's going away?" Obviously, if there are games coming out, [the genre is] not going away. It's just that other types of games have taken the forefront of attention. Everything runs in cycles, you know? That's how it always is.»

A Call for Industry Creativity

Klepacki views the fluctuation of genres as a natural part of gaming history, comparing RTS to the shifting popularity of RPGs and flight simulators. However, he also highlighted a concerning trend: a lack of risk-taking among major developers. He pointed out that while independent studios are frequently experimenting with fresh concepts, the "middle ground" of the industry has largely disappeared, leading to a shortage of creative, high-budget titles.


The RTS Renaissance

Despite the challenges, the spirit of real-time strategy continues to thrive. Elements of its DNA have been absorbed into the MOBA genre, and traditional RTS games are currently seeing a resurgence:

  • New content for established classics like Warcraft 3 and ongoing updates for StarCraft 2.
  • The continued development of major series such as Age of Empires and Age of Mythology.
  • New entries and spiritual successors like Tempest Rising and the upcoming Game of Thrones RTS.
  • The enduring popularity of established titles like Company of Heroes.

While the era of massive Hollywood-style ensemble casts for strategy games may have passed for the time being, the fundamental appeal of the RTS genre remains robust. As Klepacki suggests, the genre is not only alive but continues to evolve.