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Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames

Critical Moves Podcast
Stellaris
Total War
RTS Games
Strategy Game Remasters
Indie Developers
Game Mechanics
Strategy Games
Paradox Interactive
AAA Studios
Dawn Of War
Dlcs
Grand Strategy
Age Of Empires 4
Homeworld 3
Age Of Empires
Rome Total War
Warhammer
Video Game Mods
Game Design
Stellaris 4.0

Critical Moves is a strategy games podcast that takes RTS, 4X, and tactics seriously. Most gaming podcasts treat strategy games as an afterthought. We don’t. Every week we cover real-time strategy, turn-based tactics, 4X empire builders, indie experiments, and overlooked classics with long-form analysis and no wasted time.

This isn’t quick reviews or recycled talking points. It’s sharp criticism a... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes60Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Video GamesLeisure

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Artwork for Critical Moves Podcast

Latest Episodes

City builders split into subgenres that barely resemble each other. Cities Skylines focuses on traffic optimization and aesthetic building. Anno centres on island logistics and production chains. Banished and Frostpunk push survival mechanics. Tropic... more

YouTube

In this episode of Critical Moves, we sit down with Ben Angel, narrative lead and designer on the Age of Empires 2: Chronicles DLC campaigns. Ben shares fascinating insights into creating compelling narratives within the constraints of RTS gameplay, ... more

YouTube

Does Anno 117: Pax Romana live up to the hype? Err... No. In this episode, Al (the Anno noob) got a chance to quiz Anno veteran Timothy on what the latest instalment of the franchise does right and what it does terribly wrong.

Join us as we pull apa... more

YouTube

Join hosts Jack and Adam as they sit down with Thomas Vandenberg, the visionary creator behind Kingdom Classic and Kingdom New Lands, for a deep dive into the evolution of minimal strategy design. Thomas shares the fascinating journey of turning a Fl... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Thomas Vandenberg
Creator and original pioneer behind the game Kingdom
Raw Fury
Episode: Thomas van den Berg on Kingdom's Design Philosophy and the Flash Game Era (Ep.56)
Chris McElligott-Park
CEO of Arcen Games
Arcen Games
Episode: Chris McElligott-Park on Game Design, Narrative, and Arcen’s Origins (Ep.42)
Joe Beard
Host of the Example of Play YouTube channel, focused on tutorial videos for strategy games.
Example of Play
Episode: Strategy Games Are Terrible at Teaching You Anything (Ep.37)
Brandon Casteel
Lead Game Designer for Tempest Rising
3D Realms
Episode: Why Tempest Rising Could Be the RTS to Watch in 2025 (Ep. 25)
Dr. Luke Hughes
Main developer of Burden of Command
Game Developer
Episode: Can You Lead? Luke Hughes on the Emotional Weight of Burden of Command (Ep 22)

Hosts

Jack
Host of the podcast known for sharp criticism and engaging discussions about strategy games.
Tim
Co-Host and frequent contributor who engages with various topics on strategy gaming.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 26 ratings
  • Great and chill podcast!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    dumbwrench
    a year ago

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#20
Sweden/Leisure/Video Games
Apple Podcasts
#26
Austria/Leisure/Video Games
Apple Podcasts
#104
Russia/Leisure/Video Games
Apple Podcasts
#109
Austria/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#111
Sweden/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#183
New Zealand/Leisure/Video Games

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Anno 117: Pax Romana - Why Even Anno Fans Are Disappointed (Ep.57)
Q: Is it any good?
The definition of good varies; Tim expresses that he has a lot of opinions on the game.
Thomas van den Berg on Kingdom's Design Philosophy and the Flash Game Era (Ep.56)
Q: Do you still play your games after development?
Vandenberg mentions that while he enjoys the low-level satisfaction of visuals and interactions, he doesn't get that novelty of discovery he once had because he knows the game too well.
Beyond All Reason – Behind the Scenes of BAR (Ep.46)
Q: What type of game is Beyond All Reason?
It is an over-the-top RTS experience with thousands of units, explosions, and an emphasis on player creativity and engagement.
Beyond All Reason – Behind the Scenes of BAR (Ep.46)
Q: What does that mean for you, PtaQ, as community manager?
It's an insane experience to interact with a community of 60K people on Discord, balancing game design, support, and moderation.
Chris McElligott-Park on AI War, Community, and Running an Indie Studio (Ep.43)
Q: Where can people listening to this episode find and buy Heart of the Machine?
Chris mentions that Heart of the Machine is available on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, and suggests checking key resellers like Humble Store for discounts.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Moves Podcast

What is Critical Moves Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers a deep dive into the world of strategy video games, focusing on genres such as real-time strategy (RTS), turn-based tactics, and 4X empire builders. Unlike many gaming discussions that gloss over strategic elements, the content here is characterized by thorough analyses of game mechanics, insightful conversations about design choices, and sharp critiques on the quality of games. Each episode brings forth a serious examination of both mainstream and indie strategy titles, illuminating elements that make them engaging or, conversely, flawed. Additionally, interviews with developers highlight the intricacies of game design without the interference of marketing jargon, making it a unique space for listeners who appreciate an... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Critical Moves Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Critical Moves Podcast:

1. eXplorminate
2. Single Malt Strategy
3. Three Moves Ahead
4. Axe of the Blood God: An RPG Podcast
5. The Rest Is History

How many episodes of Critical Moves Podcast are there?

Critical Moves Podcast launched a year ago and published 60 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Critical Moves Podcast?

Recent guests on Critical Moves Podcast include:

1. Thomas Vandenberg
2. Chris McElligott-Park
3. Joe Beard
4. Brandon Casteel
5. Dr. Luke Hughes

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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