{"author_name":"yangamedev","cat":"MiniLD","comments":[],"epoch":1374669300,"likes":3,"metadata":{"p_key":"42306","p_author":"yangamedev","p_authorkey":"20928","p_urlkey":"77930","p_title":"Strategy vs. Tactics","p_cat":"MiniLD","p_event":"LD27","p_time":"1374669300","p_likes":"3","p_comments":"0","p_status":"UPD5","us_key":"20928","us_name":"yangamedev","us_username":"yangamedev","event_start":"1377216000","event_key":"18","event_name":"LD27"},"text":"

In researching this compo the criticism of RTS’ is that they are more like Real Time Tactics — a faster mouse-clicker and better micro-manager wins the prize. There’s merit to that, but real-life involves strategizing over the long-term, not seeing immediate results, making very few simple commands in response to changing conditions.<\/p>\n

Strategy involves long-term planning and a divorcing of oneself from the various tactical outcomes. In business and the military, a chain of command is established so the top-level General or CEO can implement their strategy through use of simplistic commands to complicated people. George W. Bush said “let’s go get Iraq!” and the generals said to their sub-commanders: “ok, mobilize our infantry and artillery to the southern regions”, and so on, all the way down to the soldiers who need to pack their toothbrush.<\/p>\n

This is more the scale I’m interested in, and what becomes apparent is\u00a0how much I don’t want to click on things<\/strong>. “Guh, just go get Iraq!” I want to say.<\/p>\n

\"actual_framerate\"<\/a>

I’d make it a .gif but this is the actual framerate<\/p><\/div>\n

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My goal is to free the player from micro-managing units and simply get on with the strategy of winning. I love in Majesty how you have indirect control by planting Quest Flags with reward money, which is collected by any units that feel it’s worth the money to take up the task.<\/p>\n

But there’s downsides to all-strategy-plus-autonomous-AI: I remember a big criticism of Dungeon Siege was that the game pretty much plays itself. With a handful of characters that’s not really fun…you want to feel challenged. But with 80 units? That’s more Homeworld territory, and ideally I’d judge my success on how few\u00a0<\/b>mouse-clicks and keystrokes you need to win.<\/p>\n

Current progress on “Counterstrike RTS” milestone:<\/p>\n

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  • AI decision tree on all units: Idle vs. Hunt states, all units attack closest on sight<\/span><\/li>\n
  • LOS for AI based on world collision, enter Hunt state on acquiring target<\/li>\n
  • Fog of War LOS: Can only see enemies on screen that 1 or more friendlies can see<\/li>\n
  • Order issuing: “Go go go” and “Hold this position” — individual or group<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n

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     <\/p>","time":"July 24th, 2013 7:35 am","title":"Strategy vs. Tactics"}