Real Time Tactics | Forgotten Strategy Genre Faces Controversy
Edited By
James Lee
Real time tactics (RTT) games are sparking renewed conversations among players as concerns about their viability grow. As the genre's popularity appears to wane, the unexpected closure of Mimimi Games has left many questioning the direction of this once-thriving segment.
Background: A Genre on the Brink
Players recall classic titles like Commandos 2 and Desperados. However, some argue recent efforts failed to capture the magic of their predecessors. As one commenter noted, "the game design is sort of at a dead end." Despite praise for Commandos Origins and The Cursed Crew, there seems to be a disconnection between critical acclaim and public interest.
Mimimi, known for its innovative design, closed despite a market of loyal fans. "It's clear what they did there - free mission structure, several entrance points," one player remarked about The Cursed Crew's design potential. But the studio faced mounting financial pressures, stemming from a significant cut in government funding for game development in Germany.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
The dialogue surrounding RTT reveals mixed sentiments.
"It's hard to improve this particular gameplay style," shared a long-time player, suggesting that innovations may be necessary to revive interest in the genre.
Some comments express frustration over a perceived lack of marketing: "Yeah sounds like what he’s really complaining about is a lack of marketing." This indicates a broader issue within the genre, where promotion could be the key to revitalizing interest.
Critics argue the genre isn't forgotten but merely in a pause. As one community member put it, "There are tons of perspective directions in development as real-time tactics is a great tool for tactical games."
Key Takeaways
📉 Funding Cuts Impact: German government funding for game development dropped from €70 million in 2023 to €48.7 million in 2024. This change impacts smaller studios like Mimimi.
🔄 Need for Innovation: Players call for a gameplay evolution similar to major shifts in the RTS genre.
🎮 Mixed Sentiment: Community reactions range from nostalgia for classics to frustration over stagnant gameplay mechanics.
Despite the rocky landscape, there remain hopeful signs. New titles like Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream are generating buzz, suggesting there’s still room for growth in the genre. As discussions continue, will the community rally to rediscover RTT games, or will they fade further into obscurity?
Future Paths and Probabilities
There’s a strong chance the real-time tactics genre could make a comeback, but this will require action from developers and the gaming community. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that we’ll see innovative gameplay mechanics emerge in the next few years as studios look to reinvigorate interest. Popular titles may inspire a surge in funding and support, especially if government investment stabilizes. Moreover, with grassroots campaigns and community support, major players could get back to marketing these titles effectively, increasing their visibility and potential sales.
Unexpected Inspirations from History
A fitting analogy can be drawn from the resurgence of vinyl records in the music industry. Once overshadowed by digital formats, vinyl saw a revival as collectors and new enthusiasts appreciated its unique sound and artistry. This shift mirrors the RTT landscape: just as music lovers went back to roots, gamers may soon rally around classic tactics games, driven by a desire for simplicity and rich mechanics that stand apart from mainstream trends. If a similar rebirth occurs, the genre may not fade but instead evolve to engage a new generation.