
"I can't say I do - I mean, I died in 1895. However, I'm reliably informed that RTS games are still around, though the days when an RTS would be considered a major, triple-A, blockbuster release are long gone. You know: like rabies and anthrax are long gone, following my invention of the vaccines and stuff.
"I mean, I don't want to blow my own trumpet. I just worry that all my great work has been forgotten. Has it been forgotten? Please let me know in the comments. I hope I don't sound too needy!!!!
"Anyway. Look: here's a quick history of the evolution of this most point-and-clicky of genres. Remember to leave me a message in the comments, guys. Thanks, guys."
A two-player game for Mattel's Intellivision, released in 1981, it saw the players controlling a cursor to populate their islands with buildings, feed their citizens, and fund attacks on their neighbouring island. Oddly, fishing was a big part of the game; both when it came to finding food to shove into hungry mouths, and trying to sink the opposing player's boat.
Its apocalyptic sci-fi setting, and perfectly balanced level of challenge, would spawn a franchise which would continue for more than a decade. Unfortunately, Westwood and C&C would later be purchased by Electronic Arts who - faced with changing consumer tastes - continue to not have a clue what to do with it.