What Makes A Good Strategy Game?

The digital world has been rapidly developing and advancing. One of the most eminent sectors or areas which has seen some of the heftiest developments and benefits is the area of online gaming. Gamers from all over the world can now play altogether, irrespective of which nook or corner of the world they are in or what time of the day it is.

Online games come in all shapes and sizes, and one of the most interesting and exciting varieties of online gaming is strategy games. In the following discussion, we will discuss a particular aspect of online strategy games.

The aspect is the area of the components of points that make an online strategy game the best and most appealing. So, if you want to find the best online strategy games, or you would want to make one, the following content should be of great value. So, let us dive in!

What are online strategy games?

The explanation or description of strategy games is quite self-explanatory, we can say that online strategy games are the ones in which the players have to formulate and deploy specific strategies and tactics in order to successfully outwit their opponents and win the game. Generating success in strategy games requires players to possess many attributes, such as a deep understanding of strategic thinking, working under pressure, out-the-box thinking and creativity.

The boom of online gaming over the last 2 decades has elevated strategy games to greater heights, people from all over the world can play together, and battle it out in the global arena, testing their skill against the best the world has to offer. It has opened the battlefield up to a literal world of possibilities.

Important Aspects of a Good Strategy Game

Now, what can be the different elements that makeup the base of a good strategy game? There are numerous such components or points that make a strategy game appealing and exciting!

● Inducing depth in the game

One of, if not the most crucial factors that makes an online strategy game attractive is the depth of the game. What does it actually mean? It refers to the number of options available at one time. Depth doesn’t necessarily correlate to complexity, what we are looking for is a world where players get the opportunity to explore a myriad of different paths, try new things, and develop their skills outside the main story. Experience things outside the straight path and ultimately provide unique gameplay. This can be done in many ways, whether it be through items and weapons, special accolades received after performing certain actions, new gameplay mechanics or hidden easter eggs in game. Creative flair is important to creating stellar games, whether it be in the gameplay mechanics, or wider world building.

● Maintain optimum complexity

The level of complexity also has a great impact on the quality of online strategy games. Here, the complexity should not be too high nor too basic, there is a sweet spot that allows players to explore new avenues for gameplay and test new strategies, but also allows basic gameplay to succeed. It must be present at an optimal level. A greater level of difficulty may drive out newcomers to the genre or the game, which may not be healthy for a new title. On the other hand, a strategy game that lacks some level of complexity may drive out more experienced players, or lead the game to having a short life, due to lack of incentive to explore the game in its entirety – in other words, it’ll become boring quickly

There must be enough for more experienced players to test their limits and theories, and provide incentive to ultimately push the boundaries of the game and their enjoyment, whilst keeping those casual players in and engaged with the game.

● Variety

When gameplay becomes repetitive and monotonous, players lose interest. Nothing new automatically means nothing interesting. Tying our 2 previous points together, adding variety to games is important to standing the test of time. To make strategy games more interesting and engrossing, filling it with more options is a necessity. Here, the variety or the availability of more options can be included in offering different game modes, items and specialised game mechanics.

Listening to the game’s community is a great way to see what the game may need, players know best! Gamers unapologetically voice their opinions, and after all, they are the ones spending their time playing day in and day out, their voices should be heard

● Risks and rewards
Both these factors, risks and rewards, are equally crucial for a good online strategy game.

Risky gameplay should be rewarded handsomely if pulled off, to incentivize players to test the limits of their wit, and embrace their inner tactician. Creating gameplay that doesn’t reward the brave leads to a basic and unfulfilling gaming experience. Rewarding players for their creativity keeps them motivated to be engrossed and involved in that particular game – the last thing you want is for players to stargaze and lose interest in your work

The rewards can be in various forms and even offered in the middle of the game, such as boosters, additional weapons, shields – adding another dimension to the strategy game. Another option would be to showcase players who dare, as it keeps you connected to your community and shows you take an interest in them.

● World building

The world you set your strategy game in, sets the scene for the rest of the game. No one wants to play a game set in a 1970’s cheese factory in Switzerland (unless you're into that). Setting the scene is important, as it gives players an insight into how the game will play out, for example, a game set in outer space is quite likely to feature futuristic weapons and gameplay, more so than that of a game set in the medieval age. Alongside the world, the story must also be engaging and interesting, fighting to be the head cheese connoisseur doesn’t have the same allure as being the commander of the strongest fleet in the known universe. World building is important in driving engagement and giving purpose to the gameplay.

The Past, Present and Future of Strategy Games
There have been some insanely successful strategy games over the years, that have defined and redefined the strategy game genre, solidifying its place as one of the most successful and popular gaming genres, here are a showstoppers

The Past: Command and Conquer

Released in 1995, Command and Conquer is a real-time strategy (RTS) game set in a high-tech world, where players utilise electronic intelligence and covert surveillance to manoeuvre the battlefield. Selling over 3 million copies, and winning numerous awards, the game is considered a staple in the genre. With deep, rich gameplay, the game was the first of a very successful series

The Present: Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

The 6th and latest release of the Civilization series, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is currently the worlds most played turn-based strategy game, with over 50,000 active users at one time. Developed by Firaxis Games, Civilization VI implores players to explore, expand, exploit and exterminate in this super sophisticated strategy game title. Being the 6th iteration in the series, the game boasts deep and varied gameplay, giving players freedom to explore many avenues

The Future: BLOCKLORDS

The flagship game of MetaKing Studios, BLOCKLORDS is an MMO grand strategy game, set in the medieval era. The game utilises blockchain technology and smart contracts, to create an experience like no other, where players can own their story. BLOCKLORDS’s backers include some of the biggest in the industry, and the game is set to revolutionise the genre.

Check out some BLOCKLORDS gameplay!

Final Words

Incorporating all these factors into a game will aid in building a solid foundation for any online strategy game, each is crucial to the game’s survival and success. Whether it be the curation of specific, unique mechanics to separate you from the rest, or a story worth diving head first into, each factor plays its role in creating the ultimate strategy game.