We try to avoid Stellaris. We really do.But if you're talking about the state of 4X games in 2025, it keeps dragging you back.Al, Joe, and Tim take stock of a genre that’s running out of excuses. Innovation is rare. Pacing is broken. AI can’t keep up. And the line between 4X and grand strategy has nearly vanished.Is anyone pushing things forward? Are we just reskinning old ideas? And why do most 4X games still fall apart by turn 100?

We try to avoid Stellaris. We really do. But if you're talking about the state of 4X games in 2025, it keeps dragging you back. Al, Joe, and Tim take stock of a genre that’s running out of excuses. Innovation is rare. Pacing is broken. AI can’t keep up. And the line between 4X and grand strategy has nearly vanished. Is anyone pushing things forward? Are we just reskinning old ideas? And why do most 4X games still fall apart by turn 100?

The State of 4X Strategy. Can It Be Fixed? (Ep.41)

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 The State of 4X Strategy. Can It Be Fixed? (Ep.41)

Sign up to save your podcasts

The State of 4X Strategy. Can It Be Fixed? (Ep.41)

The State of 4X Strategy. Can It Be Fixed? (Ep.41)

More shows like Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames

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