The History of Strategy Games

Are you a fan of strategy games? Do you love the thrill of outsmarting your opponents and conquering new territories? If so, you're not alone. Strategy games have been around for centuries, and they continue to captivate players of all ages and backgrounds.

In this article, we'll take a look at the history of strategy games, from their earliest origins to the modern-day classics that we know and love. We'll explore the different types of strategy games, the platforms they've been played on, and some of the most popular titles in each category.

So, let's dive in and discover the fascinating world of strategy games!

The Origins of Strategy Games

Strategy games have been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These early games were often played on boards or tables, and they required players to use their wits and cunning to outmaneuver their opponents.

One of the earliest known strategy games is Senet, which was played in ancient Egypt over 5,000 years ago. This game involved moving pieces across a board, with the goal of reaching the end before your opponent. It was often played as a form of divination, with players believing that the outcome of the game could predict their future.

Another ancient strategy game is Go, which originated in China over 2,500 years ago. Go is still played today and is considered one of the most complex strategy games in the world. It involves placing stones on a board, with the goal of surrounding and capturing your opponent's pieces.

Strategy Games in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, strategy games continued to evolve and become more complex. Chess, which originated in India around the 6th century, became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was often played by nobility and was considered a game of strategy and intellect.

Other popular strategy games during this time included Backgammon, which originated in Persia, and Nine Men's Morris, which was played throughout Europe. These games often involved moving pieces across a board, with the goal of capturing your opponent's pieces or reaching a certain point on the board.

The Rise of Video Games

In the 1970s, video games began to emerge as a new form of entertainment. While early video games like Pong and Space Invaders were simple and focused on reflexes, strategy games soon began to emerge.

One of the earliest strategy games was Computer Bismarck, which was released in 1980. This game allowed players to simulate naval battles between Germany and Britain during World War I. It was one of the first games to use a turn-based system, where players took turns making moves.

Another early strategy game was Civilization, which was released in 1991. This game allowed players to build and manage their own civilization, from the Stone Age to the Space Age. It was one of the first games to use a "tech tree" system, where players could research new technologies to improve their civilization.

Strategy Games Today

Today, strategy games are more popular than ever, with new titles being released on a regular basis. They're played on a variety of platforms, including PC, console, and mobile devices.

One of the most popular strategy games today is Starcraft II, which was released in 2010. This game is a real-time strategy game that allows players to control one of three factions: the Terrans, the Zerg, or the Protoss. It's known for its fast-paced gameplay and intense multiplayer matches.

Another popular strategy game is XCOM 2, which was released in 2016. This game is a turn-based strategy game that puts players in charge of a team of soldiers fighting against an alien invasion. It's known for its challenging gameplay and deep customization options.

The Best Strategy Games Across Different Platforms

Now that we've explored the history of strategy games, let's take a look at some of the best strategy games across different platforms.

PC

• Civilization VI: This game is the latest installment in the Civilization series and allows players to build and manage their own civilization. It's known for its deep gameplay and addictive "one more turn" mentality.
• Total War: Warhammer II: This game combines the deep strategy of the Total War series with the fantasy world of Warhammer. It allows players to control one of four factions and engage in epic battles with magic and mythical creatures.
• Crusader Kings III: This game is a grand strategy game that puts players in charge of a medieval dynasty. It's known for its deep character interactions and complex political system.

Console

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: This game is a tactical RPG that puts players in charge of a group of students at a military academy. It's known for its deep characters and engaging story.
• Halo Wars 2: This game is a real-time strategy game set in the Halo universe. It allows players to control one of two factions and engage in epic battles with iconic Halo units.
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: This game is a turn-based strategy game that combines the worlds of Mario and the Rabbids. It's known for its charming characters and challenging gameplay.

Mobile

• Clash Royale: This game is a real-time strategy game that combines elements of card games and tower defense. It allows players to collect and upgrade cards and battle against other players in real-time matches.
• Plague Inc.: This game is a strategy game that puts players in charge of a deadly virus. The goal is to infect and kill as many people as possible before a cure is found.
• Polytopia: This game is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to control one of several tribes and conquer new territories. It's known for its simple yet addictive gameplay.

Conclusion

Strategy games have come a long way since the days of Senet and Chess. From the early days of video games to the modern-day classics, strategy games continue to captivate players of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether you prefer turn-based or real-time, PC or mobile, there's a strategy game out there for everyone. So, grab your controller or your mouse and keyboard and get ready to outsmart your opponents and conquer new territories!

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