Rise of Nations
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Civilization is the most iconic turn-based series of all time, but Sid Meier considered making it an RTS: 'It could have easily gone in different directions'
Sid Meier, the creator of the Civilization series, revealed that the iconic turn-based strategy game was initially considered as a real-time strategy title, similar to Age of Empires. Meier and Bruce Shelley explored this direction after the success of Railroad Tycoon, but ultimately decided that a turn-based approach would better suit the game's complexity and accessibility. Despite this, the exploration of RTS concepts influenced later games like Age of Empires and Rise of Nations.
The Game Archeologist: Majesty, the 2000-era RTS that flipped the script on the MMO concept
Majesty: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim, a 2000 real-time strategy game, is analyzed for its unique design that closely emulated MMORPG mechanics. Unlike traditional RTS titles, players controlled autonomous units with their own goals, influencing them through quests and building placement rather than direct command. This approach, predating World of Warcraft's standardization of MMO questing, allowed players to act as a game master, shaping a vibrant world and its inhabitants.