Step 1 · Strategy Game Creation Path
Core Idea & Game Loop
Every great strategy game starts with a sharp fantasy and a tight core loop. Before we touch code, we make sure the idea is strong enough to carry hundreds of hours of play.
1. Define the fantasy first
We start by asking a simple question: what fantasy are we selling? Roman conquest? Dino warfare? Space empires?
The fantasy has to be crystal clear in a single sentence. If we can’t pitch it on a napkin, players won’t remember it either.
2. Design the core loop, not the features
Before adding features, we lock the core loop: what players do every 30 seconds, every 3 minutes, and every 30 minutes.
For strategy games this usually means: make decisions, see clear feedback, and feel long-term progression.
3. Prototyping on paper
Many of our first versions live on paper or whiteboards. We simulate turns, resources and combat outcomes by hand.
If the decisions feel interesting on paper, they usually translate well to a digital prototype.