Fact Check: Are RTS games dead?

Are RTS Games Dead?

The claim that "RTS games are dead" suggests a significant decline in the popularity and production of real-time strategy (RTS) games. This assertion raises questions about the current state of the genre, its player base, and the future of RTS games in the gaming industry.

What We Know

1. Current Popularity: According to SteamDB, the most played RTS games as of October 2023 include "Age of Empires II (remastered)" and "Starcraft II," both of which maintain a substantial player count, indicating that there is still a dedicated audience for these titles 13.

2. New Releases: 2023 has seen a resurgence of interest in RTS games, with several new titles being released. For instance, "Tempest Rising" has been highlighted as a notable new entry that pays homage to classic RTS games 26.

3. Industry Trends: A report from PC Gamer suggests that 2023 is shaping up to be a strong year for strategy games, including RTS, with multiple releases planned throughout the year 6.

4. Community Engagement: The gaming community continues to engage with RTS games through platforms like Reddit, where discussions about the best RTS games and upcoming titles are prevalent 5.

5. Market Growth: Statista reports a slight increase in PC gamers, which may provide a larger audience for RTS games moving forward 7.

Analysis

The claim that RTS games are "dead" appears to be an oversimplification of a more complex situation.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited range from gaming news websites to community forums. For instance, SteamDB is a reliable source for player statistics, as it provides real-time data on game popularity 1. However, articles from gaming blogs or opinion pieces may contain bias, as they often reflect the personal views of the authors or the interests of their platforms 25.

• Methodology Concerns: The assertion of RTS games being "dead" often lacks quantitative backing. While some articles may reference declining player counts or fewer new releases, they do not provide comprehensive data to support these claims. For example, while some sources highlight a decline in certain RTS titles, they fail to account for the resurgence of others or the overall health of the genre 37.

• Conflicting Views: While some sources argue that RTS games are experiencing a revival, others suggest that the genre has lost its mainstream appeal. For instance, articles discussing the "death" of RTS games often cite the rise of other genres, such as battle royale and MOBA, as contributing factors to the decline 67. This presents a conflict in perspectives that requires careful consideration.

• Future Prospects: The anticipation of upcoming RTS games, as discussed in various sources, suggests that there is still interest in the genre from both developers and players 9. However, it remains to be seen whether these new releases will capture the same level of attention as their predecessors.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly False

The claim that "RTS games are dead" is mostly false, as evidence indicates that the genre is not only alive but also experiencing a resurgence in interest. Key evidence supporting this verdict includes the sustained player counts of popular titles like "Age of Empires II" and "Starcraft II," the release of new games such as "Tempest Rising," and a general trend of increased engagement within the gaming community.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that while there is a dedicated audience and new releases, the genre faces competition from other gaming styles, which may affect its mainstream appeal. The assertion of RTS games being "dead" often stems from a narrow focus on declining player counts for specific titles without considering the broader context of the genre's health.

Limitations in the available evidence include the reliance on anecdotal reports and the potential biases of sources discussing the genre's status. Additionally, the future of RTS games remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether upcoming titles will achieve the same level of popularity as their predecessors.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding the state of RTS games and consider multiple perspectives before forming conclusions.

Sources

1. Most played RTS Games Steam Charts · SteamDB. Available at: SteamDB
2. Best RTS games on PC 2025. Available at: PCGamesN
3. Real-Time Strategy - the genre that needs more minerals. Available at: Excorp
4. Best real-time strategy video games of 2023 - Glitchwave. Available at: Glitchwave
5. The 12 Best RTS Games in 2025: Our Opinion vs. Reddit's. Available at: Plarium
6. 2023 is shaping up to be one of the best ever years for strategy games. Available at: PC Gamer
7. Game On: What happened to real-time strategy games? Available at: Spokesman
8. The Best RTS Games to Release in 2023 (so far). Available at: YouTube
9. The Most Anticipated RTS Games in 2023 & 2024... SO MANY! Available at: YouTube
10. Real-Time Strategy. Available at: Steam