Real Time Strategy (RTS)

Real-time strategy (RTS) games are a subgenre of strategy games in which gameplay is not divided into turns, but proceeds smoothly, with all players acting simultaneously. Unlike turn-based games, RTS requires quick decision-making, resource management, and efficient control of multiple units. For this reason, they often include an active pause mechanism that allows some actions to be performed without the passage of time. The term "real-time strategy" was coined by Brett Sperry while promoting Dune II in the 1990s.

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The origins and development of RTS games

The early predecessors of the genre include, among others, Utopia, Cytron Masters, The Ancient Art of War, and Herzog Zwei. However, it was Dune II by Westwood Studios that set the template for modern RTS games – with resource management, base building, and mouse control.

In the mid-90s, the genre flourished. Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Command & Conquer expanded mechanics with narrative and multiplayer modes. Total Annihilation introduced full 3D, while Age of Empires combined RTS with history and civilization development. In 1998, StarCraft set the eSports standard, with a scene (especially in South Korea) that continues to this day.

Real-time strategies in the 2000s and beyond

At the turn of the century, RTS games underwent a transformation to full 3D (Homeworld, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, Age of Mythology), while some games experimented with hybrids, such as Battlezone (RTS+FPS). Over time, the real-time tactics genre (RTT) emerged, focusing more on combat and less on the economy (Ground Control, Company of Heroes). From Warcraft III maps, the MOBA genre evolved (DotA, later League of Legends), which dominated the online market.

Modern RTS games

Since 2010, RTS games have been exploring new forms: simplified mobile variants (Clash of Clans), indie productions drawing on nostalgia (Rusted Warfare), and classic series in new installments (Halo Wars 2, Company of Heroes 3). Although the genre no longer holds its former dominance, it remains important, inspiring new forms of strategy games and maintaining a loyal community.