Beyond All Reason – Behind the Scenes of BAR (Ep.46)
Beyond All Reason (BAR) is a free open-source real-time strategy game based on Total Annihilation. In this episode we interview community manager PtaQ and our very own Timothy. Learn about RTS game development, community-driven gaming projects, epic-scale strategy battles with thousands of units, upcoming campaign mode, new faction releases, and Steam launch plans. This strategy gaming podcast episode covers BAR's 60,000+ Discord community management, volunteer-based game development, the "Ragnam Method" for redesigning legacy RTS mechanics, art and music coordination, and what makes this free-to-play strategy game unique in 2024. Perfect for RTS fans, strategy game enthusiasts, indie game developers, and anyone interested in community-driven game projects. https://criticalmovespodcast.com
--------
1:16:26
--------
1:16:26
When Developers Quit, Players Keep Games Alive (Ep.45)
Community supported games are the reason classics like Age of Empires 2, Company of Heroes, and Heroes of Might and Magic 3 are still played decades after release. In this episode of the Critical Moves Podcast, we look at abandoned strategy games, how modding scenes keep them alive, and why some titles survive long after developers stop updating them.We cover Dawn of War and its Definitive Edition, the ongoing debate of Civilization 6 vs Civilization 7, and the communities behind Command & Conquer and StarCraft 2. We also talk about forgotten strategy gems like Bungie’s Myth and how total conversion mods can grow into full games, such as Beyond All Reason.From mods that improve graphics and add factions, to community servers that replace official ones, this discussion explores what makes certain strategy games timeless. If you’re interested in RTS history, fan-driven projects, or the debate around when a game is truly abandoned, this episode is for you.https://criticalmovespodcast.comhttps://criticalmovespodcast.com/discord
--------
50:36
--------
50:36
Does Dawn of War 4 Have What It Takes? (Ep.44)
Dawn of War 4 exists! We talk about what we know and what we expect. The franchise has one good game, one mediocre sequel, and one disaster. Dawn of War 3 killed the series for eight years. Now KING Art Games and Deep Silver are taking another shot at Warhammer 40K real-time strategy. We cover the confirmed details, the studio behind it, and the current state of RTS games. Dawn of War 4 needs to solve problems that Dawn of War 3 created while breaking new ground for a 2026 audience. This isn't speculation. We stick to what's confirmed and what the evidence suggests about development and design direction. The 40K license prints money but that doesn't guarantee good games. https://criticalmovespodcast.com
--------
35:10
--------
35:10
Chris McElligott-Park on AI War, Community, and Running an Indie Studio (Ep.43)
What does long-term survival look like for an indie strategy studio? In Part 2 of our interview, Chris McElligott-Park talks about: – Sustaining Arcen Games through shifting trends – Crowdfunding and community involvement – Designing sequels without repeating yourself – The challenges of predicting success in a saturated market This is Part 2 of a two-part interview.
--------
1:06:35
--------
1:06:35
Chris McElligott-Park on Game Design, Narrative, and Arcen’s Origins (Ep.42)
What does it take to make a critically acclaimed strategy game? Chris McElligott-Park, designer of Heart of the Machine, joins the Critical Moves team to talk through: – How Arcen Games started – The design thinking behind AI War – Making strategy games without traditional narrative – Engineering AI opponents that can out-think players This is Part 1 of a two-part interview.
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
Luister naar Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames, The Car Podcast with Chris Harris & Friends en vele andere podcasts van over de hele wereld met de radio.net-app
Netherlands