EA Has Abandoned This Underrated RTS Series That Started 30 Years Ago Today

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The early 1990s were a fantastic time for real-time strategy games. While games like *Herzog Zwei*, *Populous*, and *Eye of the Beholder* helped establish the genre, it was *Dune II: Building of a Dynasty* that really brought it into the mainstream. Developers then expanded on these early ideas, experimenting with features like constructing bases, gathering resources, and commanding large armies. These innovations defined the genre for the next ten years, and launched a new wave of games that combined strategic thinking with resourceful gameplay.

The original *Command & Conquer* was a standout real-time strategy game. I was immediately drawn in by its compelling story and incredibly addictive gameplay, and it quickly gained a dedicated following due to its impact on the genre. However, despite its popularity, the series hasn’t seen a new release in a long time, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a continuation.

Command & Conquer’s Groundbreaking Legacy Shaped the RTS Genre

I still remember when *Command & Conquer* came out in 1995 – it totally changed real-time strategy games for me! Westwood Studios just nailed the mix of building your base, collecting resources, and actually fighting. Sure, other games had those things, but *Command & Conquer* felt different because of the story. They used real actors in live-action cutscenes, which was a huge deal back then! Most games just gave you mission briefings, but this felt like you were actually leading troops in a real war. It was the first time an RTS game truly felt alive.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the game series kept getting better. Developers added new groups, iconic characters, and more complicated gameplay. Games like *Command & Conquer: Red Alert* offered entertaining twists on history, while *Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun* and *Command & Conquer: Generals* took the series into more serious and innovative territory. With each new release, the series consistently proved itself to be one of the best in its class.

Real-time strategy (RTS) games became less popular as other game types grew in popularity. Game publishers started focusing on games that were more likely to be profitable. The *Command & Conquer* series, once a major franchise, was at risk of being discontinued as publishers shifted their focus elsewhere.

EA Mishandled Command & Conquer

The *Command & Conquer* series started to decline after Electronic Arts (EA) bought Westwood Studios in 1998. EA wanted games to be developed more quickly and appeal to a wider audience. Unfortunately, this led to many games feeling hurried, incomplete, or different from what fans loved about the original titles. While some of these later games still sold well, the creative quality began to diminish, and fans gradually lost interest.

Electronic Arts (EA) had an impact on many games, but *Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight* is widely seen as the turning point for the series’ decline. It moved away from core real-time strategy features like building bases and gathering resources. Instead, players were restricted to using the Crawler – a mobile base that severely limited strategic options and the number of units available. This change felt like a betrayal of what made the series special, and fans strongly disliked it.

Attempts to bring the series back in 2010, including a free-to-play version of *Command & Conquer* and a mobile game, didn’t fare much better. The 2020 remastered collection also disappointed fans. These efforts felt like uninspired attempts to revive the franchise or simply capitalize on nostalgia. EA didn’t seem willing or able to invest what was necessary, and as a result, the series has remained dormant ever since.

Why Command & Conquer Still Matters Today

Even though the *Command & Conquer* series hasn’t received much attention lately, it’s still a hugely important and impactful part of real-time strategy gaming history. When the series stalled, fans stepped up with *Tempest Rising*. Developed by Slipgate Ironworks, this game was created as a loving tribute to *Command & Conquer* and successfully recaptures the feel of the original. *Tempest Rising* clearly demonstrates the lasting influence of *Command & Conquer* and offers a glimpse of what a modern game in the series could be.

Real-time strategy games aren’t as mainstream as they used to be, but they still have a dedicated fanbase. Titles like *Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition*, *Total War: Warhammer III*, and *Dune: Spice Wars* prove that the genre can still thrive. Despite the popularity of games like live-service shooters and massive open-world adventures, RTS games continue to find their audience.

A new *Command & Conquer* game could really bring real-time strategy (RTS) games back into the spotlight if EA decides to revisit the series. The original games were groundbreaking with their clever design, tight gameplay, and unique look, and a modern version could be amazing. Unfortunately, EA appears focused on other franchises, so this classic RTS might remain forgotten for now.

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2025-09-26 18:37