It’s been over a decade since Blizzard’s last major RTS release, and even longer since a new War. The genre was once at the forefront of gaming, creating the foundation for the current success of esports ventures. At the helm of this genre was Blizzard, consistently releasing games that arguably improved on their previous successes, moving the genre forward year after year. Even though Blizzard’s last two major RTS releases are past their golden age, StarCraft 2 and War 3, still maintains a sizable player base and competitive scene to this day.
An unannounced game is currently in development at Blizzard, and with Microsoft’s recent acquisition and its own RTS efforts, there could be a new Blizzard RTS on the horizon. Regardless, if this next title is a new RTS, it raises the question of which RTS franchise Blizzard should return to first. While any RTS announcement would certainly generate excitement, War 4 has more to offer the genre and games as a whole.
StarCraft 2 doesn’t need replacement yet
StarCraft 2 is still at the forefront of the genre
There’s a reason why StarCraft 214 years after release and four years since active development, it is still the most played RTS game on the market. While it’s relatively common for older RTSs to maintain popularity, as evidenced by the success of remasters like Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition, StarCraft 2 it is a completely different phenomenon. Not only does it maintain the largest player base, its engine is still at the height of RTS design. To this day, it’s the most accurate, smooth, and generally impressive RTS engine ever created.
There have been many attempts between 2010 and now to try and overcome the game. Still in the initial phase, Storm Gate is currently being done by a team of ex-StarCraft developers, but are still struggling to make their engine look as good as StarCraft 2. Simply put, StarCraft 2 does not need replacement. It goes beyond maintaining current standards, StarCraft 2 is still setting those standards.
Warcraft could use a new installment
Provides more opportunities for modernization
War 3 also still maintains a healthy and dedicated player base, helped recently by Blizzard’s decision to continue patching its Reforged disastrous version launch. However, when compared with StarCraft 2, your age is clearly more apparent. The graphics are iconic but noticeably outdated. The engine has mechanics that, at first glance, make ordering units more complicated. Control groups are limited in size, turning speed is an intentional mechanic, and unit hitboxes can make ordering units feel indifferent.
These aspects are a big part of what makes casual and competitive War 3 maintain a high level of depth. Yet, Waras a franchise, it has more to offer than these clunky but complex mechanics. The RPG side War 3 – items, heroes, shops, and creepers – are distinct features in their own right that only had one other solid attempt at Magic Force 3. Although it is difficult to say how much WC3idiosyncratic engine of a new game would keep, there is more room for growth and modernization in the various systems that make up War 3.
Warcraft 4 would honor an incredible legacy
The franchise has inspired countless genres and games
While both War and StarCraft featured impressive modding capabilities, It’s undeniable how many games and genres have been defined by War 3launch. The popular Defense of the Ancients The game mode was the inspiration behind the entire MOBA genre, which now comfortably dominates the esports market. Tower defenses have also been affected, with indie and spin-off Steam games releasing based on popular modes. Autobattlers were also inspired by games in the modding community and are now a thriving game genre.
This is all without even mentioning the War franchise as a whole. The campaign for War 3 it was perhaps the biggest ever made for an RTS. Only his strength sustained the first days of World of Warcraftforming the primary basis for the launch and the first two expansions. Ultimately, WarThe game’s impact on gaming and its near-endless potential for modernization make a compelling case for it to be Blizzard’s next game. Perhaps one day gamers will be able to play modern releases from both franchises, but for the first attempt at revitalizing the genre, War 4 seems to be the best choice.