How important is narrative in strategy games and what kind of story actually works? In Episode 39 of Critical Moves, Adam, Jack, and Al dig into the role of storytelling in the genre, from scripted campaigns to player-driven chaos.We cover:• Emergent vs scripted storytelling, and where each one shines. • Why some strategy games succeed without a story, and others absolutely need one. • A heated debate over whether a Total Annihilation-inspired game deserves a narrative at all.Whether you think story elevates strategy or just gets in the way, this episode pulls apart how narrative affects design, engagement, and whether players even care. Top 5 Base-Builder RTS Games: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dBswsIEc88">www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dBswsIEc88</a>

How important is narrative in strategy games and what kind of story actually works? In Episode 39 of Critical Moves, Adam, Jack, and Al dig into the role of storytelling in the genre, from scripted campaigns to player-driven chaos. We cover: • Emergent vs scripted storytelling, and where each one shines. • Why some strategy games succeed without a story, and others absolutely need one. • A heated debate over whether a Total Annihilation-inspired game deserves a narrative at all. Whether you think story elevates strategy or just gets in the way, this episode pulls apart how narrative affects design, engagement, and whether players even care. Top 5 Base-Builder RTS Games: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dBswsIEc88

How important is narrative in strategy games and what kind of story actually works? In Episode 39 of Critical Moves, Adam, Jack, and Al dig into the role of storytelling in the genre, from scripted campaigns to player-driven chaos.We cover:• Emergent vs scripted storytelling, and where each one shines. • Why some strategy games succeed without a story, and others absolutely need one. • A heated debate over whether a Total Annihilation-inspired game deserves a narrative at all.Whether you think story elevates strategy or just gets in the way, this episode pulls apart how narrative affects design, engagement, and whether players even care. Top 5 Base-Builder RTS Games: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dBswsIEc88" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dBswsIEc88</a>

Can a Strategy Game Work Without a Story? (Ep.39)

Critical Moves is a strategy games podcast that takes RTS, 4X, and tactics seriously. Most gaming podcasts treat strategy games as an afterthought. We don’t. Every week we cover real-time strategy, turn-based tactics, 4X empire builders, indie experiments, and overlooked classics with long-form analysis and no wasted time.This isn’t quick reviews or recycled talking points. It’s sharp criticism and honest discussion about strategy game design. If a game is shallow or broken, we’ll say so. If it does something clever, we’ll explain why it works. We talk to developers without the marketing filter, getting into the mechanics and design choices that actually shape the games.If you want a RTS podcast, a 4X podcast, or a place for smarter conversations about tactics and strategy gaming, this is it. Critical Moves is made for players who think about systems, mechanics, and design—not just surface impressions.New episodes every Friday.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://criticalmovespodcast.com">https://criticalmovespodcast.com</a>

Leisure

Video Games

Critical Moves is a strategy games podcast that takes RTS, 4X, and tactics seriously. Most gaming podcasts treat strategy games as an afterthought. We don’t. Every week we cover real-time strategy, turn-based tactics, 4X empire builders, indie experiments, and overlooked classics with long-form analysis and no wasted time. This isn’t quick reviews or recycled talking points. It’s sharp criticism and honest discussion about strategy game design. If a game is shallow or broken, we’ll say so. If it does something clever, we’ll explain why it works. We talk to developers without the marketing filter, getting into the mechanics and design choices that actually shape the games. If you want a RTS podcast, a 4X podcast, or a place for smarter conversations about tactics and strategy gaming, this is it. Critical Moves is made for players who think about systems, mechanics, and design—not just surface impressions. New episodes every Friday. https://criticalmovespodcast.com

Critical Moves is a strategy games podcast that takes RTS, 4X, and tactics seriously. Most gaming podcasts treat strategy games as an afterthought. We don’t. Every week we cover real-time strategy, turn-based tactics, 4X empire builders, indie experiments, and overlooked classics with long-form analysis and no wasted time.This isn’t quick reviews or recycled talking points. It’s sharp criticism and honest discussion about strategy game design. If a game is shallow or broken, we’ll say so. If it does something clever, we’ll explain why it works. We talk to developers without the marketing filter, getting into the mechanics and design choices that actually shape the games.If you want a RTS podcast, a 4X podcast, or a place for smarter conversations about tactics and strategy gaming, this is it. Critical Moves is made for players who think about systems, mechanics, and design—not just surface impressions.New episodes every Friday.<a href="https://criticalmovespodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://criticalmovespodcast.com</a>

Share Can a Strategy Game Work Without a Story? (Ep.39)

Sign up to save your podcasts

Can a Strategy Game Work Without a Story? (Ep.39)

Can a Strategy Game Work Without a Story? (Ep.39)

More shows like Critical Moves - Strategy Gaming

StarTalk Radio

Common Sense with Dan Carlin

Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Three Moves Ahead

Universe Today Podcast

The Easy Allies Podcast

Axe of the Blood God: An RPG Podcast

eXplorminate

Single Malt Strategy

Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: Addendum

The Rest Is History

Digital Foundry Direct Weekly