Warhammer and RTS fans have something to look forward to with the upcoming Frontier Developments release of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin.
As a true RTS player that started playing real-time-strategy games during the times of Warcraft 2 (1995), I still have my finger on the pulse of any RTS games currently under development. This is especially true of any RTS that boasts online PvP, as it’s been a somewhat lackluster field of entries over the past decade beyond a few standouts like Company of Heroes 2, which, while popular, never ascended to the heights of what Blizzard could churn out.
Real-time strategy, or RTS games, have seen dwindling popularity since the heights of the genre during the time of Starcraft 2 or Warcraft 3. While the phenomenon hasn’t been too closely studied, many in the community point to a steep learning curve and inaccessibility to the game genre, making similar genres, like MOBAs or tower defense games, appeal to a wider, more casual gaming audience.
However, it seems like that is about to change with the announcement and trailer for Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, which is touted online PvP combat as a main pillar of their title.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin Trailer
The Realms of Ruin gameplay trailer gives players an inside look at what they can expect when the game is released. Similar to games like Total War or the aforementioned Company of Heroes, the game appears to utilize squad-based units, along with powerful single-entity heroes that can change the tide of battle.
Players are already drawing comparisons to Warhammer 40000: Dawn of War, which would be good considering that game is pretty iconic in the RTS space.
To sign up for the open beta from July 7-10 on PC, Xbox X|S, and PlayStation 5, visit the Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin website and opt-in.
Can RTS Games Make a Resurgence?
I’m no fortune teller, so I can’t give a definitive answer to the question, but there are many signs in the gaming industry that RTS games are about to resurface. For one — the average competency of the average gamer is much higher than it was even a few years ago, with major gaming titles making their way to around 70% of households, according to reports from Statista.
Because more people are getting used to basic gaming mechanics, and even more people are looking for a true challenge, it could be possible that RTS games come out of the niche category and are back on the top games streamed on Twitch. While only time will tell whether the genre will make a comeback, games like Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin improve the possibility that a thriving esports community can once again take form in the space.
For more information on the game, visit the Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin website and check our news section for more information on the latest gaming releases.
