Call on Blizzard to Develop a Next-Generation Real-Time Strategy Game
Call on Blizzard to Develop a Next-Generation Real-Time Strategy Game
The Issue
Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games have been a defining genre in gaming, combining strategy, creativity, and skill in a way that no other genre has achieved. Blizzard Entertainment, through its legendary StarCraft series, has set the gold standard for RTS games with mechanics and gameplay that remain unmatched even more than a decade after the release of StarCraft II. Yet, despite the genre’s enormous potential and the ongoing passion of its community, RTS has seen little innovation in recent years.
This is a call to Blizzard to take the lead once again and develop a next-generation RTS game that will push the boundaries of gaming and redefine the RTS genre for a new era.
Why This Matters
1. The Legacy of StarCraft
StarCraft II is a masterpiece of design, balancing infinite strategic possibilities with fluid mechanics and precise gameplay. It has been likened to modern chess, offering players the chance to think critically, adapt to opponents, and master its intricacies. Yet no other game, not even successors like Stormgate, has come close to replicating its sophistication and depth.
2. The Cognitive and Community Impact of RTS Games
RTS games are more than entertainment; they are tools for growth. Studies have shown that games like StarCraft can improve cognitive abilities such as multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure. They also foster a sense of community, bringing people together through tournaments, forums, and shared passion.
Scientific Reports Study
A study published in Scientific Reports highlights the impact of real-time strategy games on cognitive flexibility, demonstrating that playing RTS games can enhance the ability to adapt and switch between tasks effectively. This aligns perfectly with the argument that RTS games are not just entertainment but tools for sharpening cognitive skills, making them invaluable for players in competitive and real-world scenarios.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-25099-0?utm_source=
Oxford Research Encyclopedia Study
The Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication discusses how RTS gaming improves reaction time and cognitive performance, even in non-players trained to play these games. This underscores the potential of RTS games to develop practical skills that extend beyond gaming, reinforcing their importance as both a competitive platform and a tool for personal development.
3. An Unmatched Opportunity to Innovate
Blizzard has the expertise to take RTS to the next level, combining the strategic depth of StarCraft with cutting-edge technology. Imagine a game with next-gen graphics, physics, and AI that still retains the balance and harmony of StarCraft. By exploring realistic or modern themes inspired by franchises like Call of Duty, Blizzard could expand the genre’s appeal to mainstream audiences while preserving its complexity for dedicated fans.
4. The RTS Community is Alive and Thriving
StarCraft II continues to have an active player base and a vibrant competitive scene. Recent tournaments have drawn millions of viewers, with prize pools reaching $1 million. This demonstrates the community’s hunger for high-quality RTS content and its readiness to support a new Blizzard title.
5. A Unique Gameplay Experience
What makes StarCraft special is the freedom it gives players to express themselves through strategy and micro-management. Every unit and composition has its purpose, creating endless possibilities for counterplay and innovation. A new Blizzard RTS could refine and expand upon this formula, offering players even more tools to create, compete, and connect.
6. Broader Appeal and Impact
While StarCraft’s sci-fi fantasy setting is iconic, a new RTS game with realistic themes could attract players from other genres, such as FPS or MOBA games. By bridging the gap between RTS mechanics and real-world inspirations, Blizzard could create a truly universal gaming experience that resonates globally.
A Vision for the Future
We propose that Blizzard:
• Build upon the foundation of StarCraft II with updated graphics, physics, and AI.
• Introduce real-world themes to expand the genre’s audience.
• Retain the strategic depth, balance, and freedom that make RTS games unique.
• Foster competitive play with robust multiplayer features and esports support.
A new RTS game from Blizzard wouldn’t just revitalize a genre—it would inspire players, push the boundaries of gaming technology, and set a new standard for strategy games.
A Call to Action
RTS games have the power to challenge and unite players across the world. By creating a next-generation RTS game, Blizzard can honor its legacy and lead the gaming industry into a new era of strategic innovation.
We, the undersigned, urge Blizzard Entertainment to consider this vision and take the steps necessary to develop the future of RTS gaming. Let’s bring this dream to life and create something extraordinary for gamers everywhere.
Sign this petition to show your support for the next evolution of RTS games. Together, we can make it happen.
5
The Issue
Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games have been a defining genre in gaming, combining strategy, creativity, and skill in a way that no other genre has achieved. Blizzard Entertainment, through its legendary StarCraft series, has set the gold standard for RTS games with mechanics and gameplay that remain unmatched even more than a decade after the release of StarCraft II. Yet, despite the genre’s enormous potential and the ongoing passion of its community, RTS has seen little innovation in recent years.
This is a call to Blizzard to take the lead once again and develop a next-generation RTS game that will push the boundaries of gaming and redefine the RTS genre for a new era.
Why This Matters
1. The Legacy of StarCraft
StarCraft II is a masterpiece of design, balancing infinite strategic possibilities with fluid mechanics and precise gameplay. It has been likened to modern chess, offering players the chance to think critically, adapt to opponents, and master its intricacies. Yet no other game, not even successors like Stormgate, has come close to replicating its sophistication and depth.
2. The Cognitive and Community Impact of RTS Games
RTS games are more than entertainment; they are tools for growth. Studies have shown that games like StarCraft can improve cognitive abilities such as multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure. They also foster a sense of community, bringing people together through tournaments, forums, and shared passion.
Scientific Reports Study
A study published in Scientific Reports highlights the impact of real-time strategy games on cognitive flexibility, demonstrating that playing RTS games can enhance the ability to adapt and switch between tasks effectively. This aligns perfectly with the argument that RTS games are not just entertainment but tools for sharpening cognitive skills, making them invaluable for players in competitive and real-world scenarios.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-25099-0?utm_source=
Oxford Research Encyclopedia Study
The Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication discusses how RTS gaming improves reaction time and cognitive performance, even in non-players trained to play these games. This underscores the potential of RTS games to develop practical skills that extend beyond gaming, reinforcing their importance as both a competitive platform and a tool for personal development.
3. An Unmatched Opportunity to Innovate
Blizzard has the expertise to take RTS to the next level, combining the strategic depth of StarCraft with cutting-edge technology. Imagine a game with next-gen graphics, physics, and AI that still retains the balance and harmony of StarCraft. By exploring realistic or modern themes inspired by franchises like Call of Duty, Blizzard could expand the genre’s appeal to mainstream audiences while preserving its complexity for dedicated fans.
4. The RTS Community is Alive and Thriving
StarCraft II continues to have an active player base and a vibrant competitive scene. Recent tournaments have drawn millions of viewers, with prize pools reaching $1 million. This demonstrates the community’s hunger for high-quality RTS content and its readiness to support a new Blizzard title.
5. A Unique Gameplay Experience
What makes StarCraft special is the freedom it gives players to express themselves through strategy and micro-management. Every unit and composition has its purpose, creating endless possibilities for counterplay and innovation. A new Blizzard RTS could refine and expand upon this formula, offering players even more tools to create, compete, and connect.
6. Broader Appeal and Impact
While StarCraft’s sci-fi fantasy setting is iconic, a new RTS game with realistic themes could attract players from other genres, such as FPS or MOBA games. By bridging the gap between RTS mechanics and real-world inspirations, Blizzard could create a truly universal gaming experience that resonates globally.
A Vision for the Future
We propose that Blizzard:
• Build upon the foundation of StarCraft II with updated graphics, physics, and AI.
• Introduce real-world themes to expand the genre’s audience.
• Retain the strategic depth, balance, and freedom that make RTS games unique.
• Foster competitive play with robust multiplayer features and esports support.
A new RTS game from Blizzard wouldn’t just revitalize a genre—it would inspire players, push the boundaries of gaming technology, and set a new standard for strategy games.
A Call to Action
RTS games have the power to challenge and unite players across the world. By creating a next-generation RTS game, Blizzard can honor its legacy and lead the gaming industry into a new era of strategic innovation.
We, the undersigned, urge Blizzard Entertainment to consider this vision and take the steps necessary to develop the future of RTS gaming. Let’s bring this dream to life and create something extraordinary for gamers everywhere.
Sign this petition to show your support for the next evolution of RTS games. Together, we can make it happen.
5
Petition created on January 24, 2025