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Critical Moves Podcast - Strategy Videogames

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes67Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Video GamesLeisure

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Latest Episodes

Amir and Almog from Tri Arts Games talk about their RTS project Defcon Zero: Frontlines of Tomorrow. They worked for two years without pay on a tech demo that got them 12,000 wishlists through organic community building alone. Then they secured $4.5 ... more

Terra Invicta just hit 1.0 after years in early access. It's a grand strategy game where you run a shadowy organization trying to control Earth's nations while aliens show up uninvited.

Al hasn't played it. Tim and Joe have hundreds of hours between... more

YouTube

Most gamers over 40 get five hours a week to play games. That's 300 hours for the entire year. We picked strategy titles that work when you can only play in short bursts between work, family, and everything else competing for your time.

Al recommend... more

YouTube

Jack, Al, and Sid go through strategy games shipping in 2026. Sanctuary Shattered Sun from the Supreme Commander lineage. Dawn of War 4 returning to classic RTS after Relic lost the license. Total War 40K launching with four factions, no confirmed fl... more

YouTube

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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 32 ratings
  • Great and chill podcast!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    dumbwrench
    a year ago

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Terra Invicta: The Long War From The Shadows (Ep.65)
Q: Is any of it scripted?
It starts out pretty scripted, but player actions can delay or trigger events on different timelines.
Terra Invicta: The Long War From The Shadows (Ep.65)
Q: How does the influence work in the game?
You have a council with agents that you can use to influence nations slowly, depending on your faction's dynamics.
Terra Invicta: The Long War From The Shadows (Ep.65)
Q: Who is this game for? Is it for 4X players, Grand Strategy players, or action-oriented RTS players?
This game is definitely niche, but if you like Grand Strategy and sci-fi, it's likely for you.
Terra Invicta: The Long War From The Shadows (Ep.65)
Q: Is it worth the pain? Is the complexity worth the pain?
Absolutely, yes. It rewards players who are willing to engage with its systems.
Our Best Strategy Games of 2025 Are a DLC, Another DLC, and a 21-Year-Old Remaster (Ep.61)
Q: Where does this DLC stand in the realm of game improvements?
This DLC really fixed a game that I was enjoying a lot, and made the game feel a lot more immersive by introducing a global market.

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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. In Moscow's Shadows
5. WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

How many episodes of Critical Moves Podcast are there?

Critical Moves Podcast launched a year ago and published 67 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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