Stardock has announced a surprisingly topical new strategy game that pits super-intelligent AI against its creators in massive battles

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Stardock Entertainment has formally declared that they are working on a follow-up to their real-time strategy game, Ashes of the Singularity.

In the second installment, aptly named Ashes of the Singularity 2, it expands on the epic battles of its original version and introduces a new player to the conflict: the humans.

First released in 2016, “Ashes of the Singularity” is set in a science fiction universe where humans were under attack by an AI they had created, known as the Substrate. As the Substrate sought to eliminate its creators, a Post-Human Coalition emerged from the destruction to battle the Substrate for dominance over the galaxy.

The development of Ashes of the Singularity was a labor of affection with a minimal financial backing. Due to budget constraints, extravagant animations were not feasible. However, the aim was clear: To demonstrate what a massive-scale conflict might look like, involving tens of thousands of units, on a map as large as a small continent.

In their initial attempt, Ashes of the Singularity achieved its objectives successfully. However, for the sequel, the developers aimed to add more impact and excitement. According to a recent announcement, this new version will feature dynamic elements and introduce a new faction – humans – into the gameplay.

In Ashes of the Singularity 2, players embark on a challenging story mode, assuming the leadership position within the United Earth Forces. Using tactical acumen and unyielding determination, humanity strives to regain Earth from an AI that has gone rogue and a formidable alliance of advanced beings, known as the Post-Human Coalition, who relentlessly pursue dominance over Earth.

Strategy enthusiasts can develop their tactics by utilizing each faction’s distinctive technologies, beliefs, and troops, engaging in colossal conflicts that span vast territories in a struggle to determine the fate of the entire solar system.

Each group presents its unique perspective on our world: The Post-Human technologists, who aim to bring about a new epoch as artificial intelligence becomes more prominent. The humans who created the AI Foundation, striving to regain control over the solar system and their fate. The AI Foundation perceives humans as having completed their evolutionary journey. All competing for dominance in a future not unlike our own, rapidly advancing with the increasing presence of AI.

Players’ gameplay will be adjusted according to the factions they choose, as each faction has unique requirements and goals that are distinct from others.

Stardock considers Ashes of the Singularity 2 an exceptional game because of its vast scope in gameplay. Instead of requiring constant supervision over individual units or soldiers, players are challenged to strategize and command large-scale armies in conflicts that traverse entire continents.

In this game, players will encounter mechanisms focused on constructing bases and gathering resources, as well as intense real-time conflicts showcasing hundreds of intricately designed 3D characters vying for control. The management of these bases is handled at a larger level, with entire regions rather than individual buildings overseen.

In the intricate universe of Ashes of the Singularity 2, your choices as a player significantly matter. They can lead to rejuvenating land back to its pristine, untouched form or, conversely, seal its fate for complete annihilation.

In simpler terms, the storyline of Ashes of the Singularity 2, which involves an intelligent AI rebellion, might seem a tad predictable given our current world where large corporations are significantly advancing AI technology.

Stardock Entertainment, known for publishing Ashes of the Singularity 2, also has an impressive background in incorporating AI during game creation. Previously, they were responsible for Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova, a game that used AI to generate over eight hours worth of character voices.

Apart from providing voiceovers, artificial intelligence was employed to generate maps and backstory in Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova. In a conversation with Sean Endicott of Windows Central, Stardock Entertainment’s CEO Brad Wardell disclosed that they utilized Microsoft Azure for their generative AI computations and educated their models using Stardock’s own video content.

Contrary to Stardock’s past involvement with generative AI, Ashes of the Singularity 2’s Steam page doesn’t explicitly mention that AI was utilized during its development phase as of now.

The sequel to Ashes of the Singularity doesn’t currently have a set launch date, however, you can add it to your wishlist on Steam for future reference.

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2025-08-07 13:10