How to Make a Strategy Game in 2023

Strategy games have been around for decades and some of the greatest games of our age fall into the genre. They come in all shapes and sizes, from real-time strategy to turn-based, each offering a different and unique experience. As gamers, we understand the weight that the strategy gaming genre holds in the industry, and are just as excited about releasing our medieval strategy title BLOCKLORDS!

What are Online Strategy games?

Fortunately, we don't need the aid of Sherlock Holmes to solve this mystery. Online strategy games are quite simply games which require players to outwit and outmanoeuvre their opponents. Being successful in online strategy games requires players to excel in many areas, such as strategic thinking, working under pressure and communication.

The boom in online gaming over the last 2 decades has elevated strategy games to greater heights, people around the world battle it out in the global arena, testing their skill and wit against the best the world has to offer, opening the battlefield up to a literal world of possibilities. 

The genre isn’t just about the end goal, it's about the journey. Each game, level, battle, and encounter presents a unique set of challenges, and it's up to the player to use our wit, skill and intuition to overcome them. Strategy games are designed to be cognitively engaging and, and require a strategy - yes, intuitive, we know - and planning to gather any form of success. Whether you are playing a MMO grand strategy game like BLOCKLORDS or a single player title, you need to engage your brain to outwit your opponents (or the computer) to emerge victorious

How to Make a Good Strategy Game

There are a multitude of different factors that go into making a good strategy game, but here are some of the most important ones.

Game Depth

One of the most critical factors that determine the attractiveness of an online strategy game is its depth. But what does "depth" actually mean? It refers to the abundance of available options that a player can access at any given moment. However, depth doesn't necessarily correlate to complexity. Instead, we look for a game world where players can explore a plethora of different paths, experiment with new strategies, and develop their skills outside the main story. Providing players the opportunity to experience gameplay off the beaten path, and let their creativity fly and allowing them to create their own unique experiences

Game developers can achieve this depth in various ways, such as by providing a wide range of items and weapons, special accolades for performing specific actions, introducing new gameplay mechanics, or including hidden easter eggs within the game. The creative flair of strategy game designers is also vital in developing stellar games, whether it's in the mechanics of the gameplay or in the world-building aspects.

In conclusion, a game's depth plays a crucial role in making it more appealing to players. The freedom to try new things, and test the limits of our wits is what keeps the game engaging

Complexity

The quality of an online strategy game is greatly influenced by its level of complexity. Striking the right balance is key, as the game should not be too difficult nor too simplistic. The optimal level of complexity should allow players to explore new avenues for gameplay and test out new strategies, while still ensuring that basic gameplay is enjoyable.

If a game is too difficult, it may discourage newcomers to the genre or the game - not good. Conversely, if a strategy game lacks a certain level of complexity, it may drive away more experienced players or result in a short lifespan due to a lack of incentive to fully explore the game.

Ideally , there must be enough content to keep more experienced players engaged and testing their limits, while also providing incentive for casual players to remain engaged with the game. This ensures that all players are satisfied and motivated to push the boundaries of the game and maximize their enjoyment!

Risk and Reward

In a good online strategy game, both risks and rewards are equally essential. Risky gameplay should be incentivized with generous rewards to encourage players to test the limits of their skills and embrace their inner tactician. Creating gameplay that does not reward players for taking risks can result in a basic and quiet frankly boring gameplay!

Rewarding players for their creativity and boldness keeps them motivated to stay engaged and involved in the game.

The rewards for taking risks can take various forms and can even be offered in the middle of the game, such as boosters, additional weapons, and shields, adding another dimension to the gameplay. Alternatively, players who dare to take risks could be showcased, which would keep the community connected and show that the developers take an interest in their players.

World Building

The world you set your strategy game in, sets the scene for the rest of the game. As far as we are concerned, no one wants to play a strategy game set the stone age, where gameplay consists of pelting stones at mammoths and not getting trampled or freezing to death. Setting the scene is important, as it gives players an insight into how the game will play out, for example, a game set in the medieval age (such as BLOCKLORDS) is more likely to feature epic battles and enthralling political warfare, much more so than our stone age competitor. Alongside the world, the story must also be engaging and interesting, fighting to be the chief of a tribe of brain-dead savages doesnt  have the same allure as being the Lord or Lady of the mightiest nation in the world. Setting the scene properly is important in driving engagement and giving purpose to the gameplay. 

Why Play Strategy Games?

Obviously playing games for the fun of it is the main reason why anyone plays them, but here are a few extra reasons as to why the beloved strategy genre has been so successful.

The Challenge

The challenge presented by strategy games is one of the reasons players around the world spend hours playing them. Online strategy games demand a high level of strategy and planning to achieve success, and this level of difficulty is what motivates players to continue their journey up the learning curve. The challenge is not just about winning but also about mastering the mechanics and understanding the intricacies of the game to elevate your gameplay to further heights. This growth and progression are what makes strategy games so satisfying and addictive!

Immersion

Online strategy games offer a unique level of immersion that goes beyond just moving pieces around a board or clicking buttons on a screen. When playing a strategy game, you are fully immersed in a world that you have helped to create. The game's setting, storyline, and characters all come together to create a world in which you can lose yourself for hours on end. This level of engagement and investment is what makes strategy games so compelling.

Never Ending Fun!

The replayability of strategy games is another crucial factor that makes them so appealing to players. Due to their complexity and the abundance of different options available, each playthrough can be entirely different from the last. You can play the same game multiple times and still discover something new every time. This is what keeps players engaged and motivated to continue playing strategy games. Even if you have already beaten a game, there is always a new challenge waiting for you to discover. Because strategy games are so immersive and rewarding, it's easy to become engrossed and spend hours playing without even realizing it.

Brain Training

Lastly, strategy games are an excellent way to exercise your brain! These games require critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. They force you to consider multiple factors simultaneously and make decisions based on incomplete information. Playing strategy games regularly can help enhance your cognitive abilities and keep your brain sharp - making the genre a valuable tool for improving real-world skills.

Intrigued to Play? Check out BLOCKLORDS

As gamers, we made sure to incorporate everything we learned playing games into our own! BLOCKLORDS is leading the charge for the next generation of gaming, and is a medieval grand strategy game built on the web3 gaming tech stack. Grow, gather, trade and join forces, to help your kingdom thrive. As a player, you have complete control over your experience, whether you want to live your life as a farmer or wage war on neighbouring nations, the choice is yours. Each BLOCKLORDS hero has their own unique traits, and can be upgraded and developed as you progress through the game, allowing players to carve their own unique experiences. We have incorporated the best bits of your favourite strategy games, to create an immersive experience like no other. How medieval will you get?