C&C Maestro Frank Klepacki: “RTS Is NOT Dead, Just Evolving!”

For any gamer who’s spent countless hours commanding armies, building bases, and orchestrating tactical masterstrokes, the real-time strategy (RTS) genre holds a special place. And if you’ve done any of that, chances are you’ve heard the iconic sounds crafted by Frank Klepacki. This living legend, the genius behind the soundtracks of classic games like Command & Conquer, has a strong message for anyone claiming that RTS is a dying breed: you’re absolutely wrong.

Klepacki, whose career also includes memorable work on titles like Eye of the Beholder 2, remains at heart an RTS enthusiast. He recently shared his thoughts, pushing back against the widespread narrative that the genre has faded into obscurity. While he acknowledges that the RTS landscape looks different from its glory days, he insists it’s far from dead – it’s merely in a different phase of its lifecycle.

The Golden Era and the Cycle of Gaming Trends

There’s no denying that the 1990s were a golden age for real-time strategy. Games like Command & Conquer, Warcraft, and Dune 2 weren’t just popular; they defined a generation of PC gaming. They were staples at LAN parties and dominated countless hours for gamers worldwide. Fast forward to today, and while some of their direct descendants, like the ever-present World of Warcraft, thrive, their RTS roots aren’t always immediately obvious to newer players.

Klepacki recalls the “doom-and-gloom” pronouncements from about a decade ago, where many predicted the genre’s demise. He wisely points out that such declarations often miss the bigger picture. In his words:

There was all of this doom-and-gloom talk about ten years ago, saying, ‘Oh, we think RTS is dead now—why are you still trying to work on games that are in a genre that’s going away?’ Obviously, if there are games coming out, [the genre is] not going away. It’s just that other types of games have taken the forefront of attention. Everything runs in cycles, you know? That’s how it always is.

His observation about gaming trends running in cycles rings true. RPGs, flight simulators, and even fighting games have all seen their peaks and troughs, only to return with renewed vigor. RTS, it seems, is no different.

Innovation vs. Risk Aversion: Where Have the AAA Ideas Gone?

While Klepacki is optimistic about the genre’s longevity, he doesn’t shy away from critiquing the current state of game development, especially among larger studios. He suggests that a “hollowing-out” of the industry has led to a growing aversion to risk, particularly when it comes to big-budget, triple-A titles.

According to him, many developers are less willing to experiment with truly unique ideas for fear of commercial failure. This often leaves innovation to the indie scene, while the “middle ground” of game development, where creative ideas could scale up, has largely disappeared. Klepacki believes there’s a real hunger for more distinct concepts in the AAA space.

RTS DNA: From MOBA Roots to Modern Revivals

It’s true that the core “real-time strategy” DNA has evolved and spread into other popular genres, most notably MOBAs. Games like Dota 2 and League of Legends, while distinct, owe a great deal to the foundational mechanics of classic RTS titles like Warcraft 3.

However, beyond these offshoots, traditional RTS games themselves are experiencing a quiet but significant resurgence. The genre is far from dormant, with exciting developments on multiple fronts:

• Blizzard recently delivered a new campaign for Warcraft 3, over 20 years after Frozen Throne.
• A Game of Thrones RTS is reportedly in the works, promising a blend of epic fantasy and strategic gameplay.
• Fan favorites like Company of Heroes and Ruse are back, captivating new and old players alike.
• The legendary Age of Empires and Age of Mythology series continue to receive updates and maintain active player bases.
• Newcomers like Tempest Rising are directly channeling the classic Command & Conquer vibe, much to the delight of veteran fans.
• Even StarCraft 2, despite a new StarCraft shooter being announced, continues to see attention and activity from Blizzard.

The era of lavish Hollywood casts in RTS cutscenes might be a relic of the past, but the genre itself is definitely thriving and evolving. Frank Klepacki’s optimism is well-founded.

What This Means for Pakistani Gamers

For the vibrant gaming community in Pakistan, this is fantastic news. Many of us grew up with the strategic depth and competitive thrill of RTS games. Whether you’re a veteran commander from the C&C days or a newer player looking for a challenge beyond the typical FPS or battle royale, the revitalized RTS scene offers a wealth of options. It’s a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal that even after decades, it continues to innovate and attract new players, proving that strategic thinking and tactical prowess will always have a place in our gaming hearts.