11 July 2025
Video games have come a long way since the days of Pong and Tetris. From those humble beginnings, strategy games especially have evolved dramatically, offering players richer narratives, more complex mechanics, and, most impressively, smarter opponents. At the heart of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI). Gone are the days when we could predict every enemy move like clockwork; AI has become a game changer—pun very much intended. But how exactly has AI reshaped strategy games, and what does it mean for gamers like us? Let’s dive into the details.
Remember playing games where the AI would always send the same type of units to attack your base at the same intervals? It felt like you were playing against a wind-up toy. Sure, it was fun at the time, but let’s be honest: once you figured out the pattern, the challenge was gone.
Take Total War: Shogun 2, for instance. This game introduced AI that could adapt to your playstyle. If you repeatedly relied on cavalry charges, the AI started to fortify its defenses against cavalry. It wasn’t perfect (you could still cheese your way to victory with enough effort), but it was a massive leap forward.
And then there’s Civilization VI. The AI leaders have unique personalities that dictate their strategies, making every game feel fresh. Gandhi might still nuke you (some traditions never die), but the way his AI handles diplomacy and war feels more nuanced than ever before.
In RTS games, AI has to manage resources, construct buildings, and command units—all in real time. To make it fair for players, developers often rely on "fog of war" mechanics and limit the AI’s access to certain information. Without these constraints, AI would dominate us every single time. I mean, imagine going up against an opponent that never forgets to build supply depots or misclick a unit? Terrifying, right?
On the other hand, turn-based strategies take a different approach. The AI has more time to think, which allows for more complex decision-making. It’s why that last alien on XCOM 2 can feel like it’s been stalking you for ages: the AI is calculating every possible way to make your life a living hell.
This procedural approach has been a blessing for replayability. You never know what challenges you'll face, which keeps the experience fresh. It's like opening a new pack of cards every time you play—a little chaotic, a little exciting, and endlessly engaging.
Even more groundbreaking is the use of AI to analyze player behavior and match you with opponents of similar skill levels. This is especially common in strategy games with ranked multiplayer modes. The AI looks at your past games, your preferred strategies, and even your weaknesses. It's almost like having a personal coach—except, you know, it’s a robot.
Neural networks are also being used to create AI that can think outside the box. Instead of relying on pre-programmed strategies, these AIs can invent their own tactics. Imagine playing against an AI that pulls off a strategy you’ve never even considered before. It’s exhilarating and a little humbling at the same time.
Balancing AI difficulty is critical. Developers need to ensure that AI pushes players to improve without making them feel like they're bashing their heads against a wall. It’s a delicate dance, and not every game gets it right. But when they do? Chef’s kiss.
Some experts predict that AI could eventually become indistinguishable from human players. Imagine playing a multiplayer strategy game where you can’t even tell who’s a person and who’s an AI. Creepy, right? But also kind of amazing.
We might also see more accessible AI in games—AI that adjusts to your skill level on the fly, creating a more personalized and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned vet, the AI will meet you where you are, giving you a challenge tailored just for you.
So next time you’re playing and find yourself thinking, "How did the AI know to do that?"—take a moment to appreciate the incredible technology behind the scenes. It’s not just a game. It’s a glimpse into the future.
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
Strategy GamesAuthor:
Audrey McGhee