Join Trent Murray, Strategy Lead at Vortex Games, and Trevor "TorcH" Housten, Head of Esports at Frost Giant Studios, as they delve into the exhilarating history of RTS esports. They reminisce about the golden days of Starcraft II and its rise against other genres. Discover Frost Giant’s vision for a groundbreaking 'social RTS' with their upcoming game, Stormgate. They also share insights on how community engagement and innovative gameplay can rejuvenate the RTS scene, sparking discussions about its vibrant future!
The podcast explores the evolution of RTS esports, highlighting the genre's challenges in visibility compared to MOBAs and team-based shooters.
Trevor 'TorcH' Housten discusses Frost Giant's innovative approach to developing a 'social RTS' that fosters community engagement and collaborative gameplay.
The future of RTS is bright as developers aim to integrate social gameplay elements, making the genre more accessible to a wider audience.
Deep dives
The Evolution of RTS Esports
The competitive landscape of real-time strategy (RTS) has evolved significantly since the peak of StarCraft II, which redefined esports expectations. In contrast to earlier genres that captured immediate audience attention, RTS has struggled with visibility in an era dominated by MOBAs and team-based shooters. However, significant milestones, such as the launch of new titles by developers like Frost Giant, aim to rekindle interest in RTS formats by building on the foundations laid by predecessors while adapting to contemporary audience preferences. This new wave of RTS is poised to attract players through social gameplay and collaborations, which may lead to a resurgence in the esports space.
Diverse Backgrounds of Industry Leaders
The podcast features insights from key industry figures, including Trevor Houston and Murray Trent, who bring extensive backgrounds in competitive gaming and esports management. Trevor's journey from a professional player in Korea to leading esports initiatives at Frost Giant exemplifies the transition many players have made into development roles. His experience highlights the industry's evolution, showcasing how former competitors are now creating the frameworks for future esports endeavors. Similarly, Trent's shift from journalism and consultancy to overseeing strategy for competitive titles emphasizes the necessity for deep understanding and collaboration within the evolving esports ecosystem.
The Role of Community in Esports Development
Community engagement is vital for the success of new esports titles, particularly as developers seek feedback and desires from players during the game creation process. The importance of authentic audience interaction is emphasized as being crucial for ensuring a sustainable competitive environment. As exemplified by Frost Giant's collaborative approach, the integration of player opinions shapes game features, tuning experiences to player expectations and aspirations. This dialogue between developers and the community fosters a more successful ecosystem for esports, allowing participants to develop preferences and affinities that connect them to the medium.
Understanding the Appeal of Team-Based Games
Team-centric games have increasingly claimed dominance in the esports arena due to their ability to cultivate narratives and community engagement on a larger scale. Titles like League of Legends and Valorant have highlighted the advantages of collaboration as a compelling core feature, which enables extensive community building and continued player involvement. The podcast discusses the potential for the upcoming RTS title, Stormgate, to balance both team-based and one-on-one competitive experiences, thus catering to a wider audience. This duality not only enriches the gameplay for casual and hardcore players alike but also brings forth opportunities for diverse competitions.
Innovations in RTS with Social Connectivity
The future of RTS appears promising, as developers focus on creating a 'social RTS' that emphasizes cooperative modes alongside traditional competitive play. Innovations in gameplay, such as improved co-op experiences and engaging team strategies, aim to lower barriers to entry, making RTS more accessible to newcomers. Emphasis on community and collaborative efforts not only enriches player experiences but also aligns with established gaming trends prevalent in modern esports. As the genre seeks to redefine itself, the introduction of aspects that promote social gaming could bridge generational gaps and connect players more effectively.
Len is joined by two special guests, Strategy Lead at Vortex Games Trent Murray and Head of Esports at Frost Giant Studios, Trevor "TorcH" Housten. From the glory days of Brood War in Korea to the modern era of "ded gaem", we go over the history of RTS esports, why it was overshadowed by other genres, and what the future may hold. In particular, Trevor has some insights to share on what Frost Giant is doing to create the first "social RTS."
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