Grand Strategy and 4X games have come a long way, transforming from niche genres into major pillars of the gaming industry. Yet, their shared DNA with real-time strategy often goes unnoticed. In truth, these genres are a natural evolution of the RTS formula, a response to the stagnation of traditional RTS and the advancements in hardware. As gaming landscapes evolved, developers expanded the scale and depth of their games, resulting in iconic titles like Stellaris and Civilization.
Although these games have earned their place as modern classics, they aren’t RTS in the strictest sense. But with the renewed interest in RTS, developers are returning to its roots while embracing the large-scale, sweeping elements that grand strategy games introduced. One promising example is Beyond Astra, the upcoming title from Nebule Games, which is poised to challenge the current norms.
Although these games have earned their place as modern classics, they aren’t RTS in the strictest sense. But with the renewed interest in RTS, developers are returning to its roots while embracing the large-scale, sweeping elements that grand strategy games introduced. One promising example is Beyond Astra, the upcoming title from Nebule Games, which is poised to challenge the current norms.