Virtual empire-building is still fun. But is it healthy?
Empire-building games come now in many shapes and forms, targeting different segments of the gaming community. Many of the games in the genre feature both single player and multiplayer modes, some of them offer you the opportunity to lead real empires from various historical periods of humankind while others aim to create virtual societies or even imperial structures in outer space. Every developer tries to bring unique elements to its product and nowadays we even have the unlikely combination of an empire-building game and a match-3.
Regardless of the details, building an empire in the virtual world has proved to be a very tempting leisure activity from the beginning of the 90s. Many outsiders wondered why, because if you look at the phenomenon without being part of it you will be rather prone to just see some repetitive and time-consuming actions combined with weird displays of passion from addicted users.
But there is an undeniable charm of being in charge with all the affairs of a large political community, which is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. The common explanation for the popularity of these games refers to power and control. The thirst for power that lies deep inside of us is satisfied when we are put in the position to decide, rule, conquer and most importantly to create societies and destroy enemies.
READ ALSO: Classroom Mode for Minecraft. Learning revolution or just another gimmick?
The main input required from a player of empire-building games is strategical thinking. You will be faced with the challenge of constantly taking decisions related to the economy of your empire without neglecting its military potential. But let’s see in more details what could you expect from these types of games.
- The multitude of decisions you will have to make will develop your cognitive abilities. You can expect to get an extensive training in problem-solving, attention to details and even mathematical skills;
- Strategy games reward patience and punish impulsive decision-making. While controlling the affairs of your virtual empire, you might learn also how to better control yourself;
- There is always something to do when you are an emperor, so boredom is out of the question;
- Choosing the multiplayer version of an empire-building game means you will be faced with a lot of social challenges and you may even end up with real friendships;
- You can learn about different historical periods of mankind and different geographical spaces through games that simulate those realities with quite a high degree of accuracy;
- The average age of those who choose an empire-building game is over 18, so you will not have the feeling that you are a child because you are playing them.
- Empire-building games are both slow and time-consuming. Usually you will need to play daily to ensure that your progress is not being hindered. Also, you will need to think about it even when you are not playing, remembering to come back at a certain hour to build something or send your army towards a target.
- Because they rely on the desire to have power and usually contain an important social dimension, empire games prove to be easily addictive. You might end up stuck to your pc or phone promising every day to quit and still be unable to do it.
Now that you know the main pros and cons of being a virtual emperor let’s talk about some of the best-known options you can try.
Best paid Empire Games
Civilization
Launched in 1991, Sid Meier’s Civilization is a veteran on the market and one of the first products which stirred the appetite for ruling empires. If you want to play safe while choosing your empire game, stick with the classics. Turn-based strategy, the goal of the game is to successfully rule your civilization through the centuries while developing your society and fighting barbarians and other civilizations. The most recent version of the game is Civilization VI.
Total War
Like Civilization, Total War also features turn-based strategy, but in addition it has a very well-developed component of real-time control of the battles. The various versions of the game have different historical settings, like ancient Rome, Japan and most recently with the release of Total War: Three Kingdoms, China in the times of the Han dynasty.
Crusader Kings
Crusader Kings is launched in 2004 by a well-known publisher in the area of empire games – Paradox Interactive. Still, its sequel Crusader Kings II succeeded to rank higher in popularity. The game is very detailed in terms of political strategy and offers you a powerful immersion in the complicated life of medieval Europe.
Best free(mium) Empire Games
Forge of Empires
Forge of Empires comes with a very ambitious chronological development of the empire, allowing the player to progress from the Stone Age as far as a Space Age where life on other planets becomes possible. It contains turn-based strategy and has browser and mobile versions.
Imperia Online
Imperia Online puts you in charge of a medieval empire that you need to develop while fighting your neighbours. The game constantly resets after one era is over and multiple eras that last from a few weeks to a few months are simultaneously available. You can play both on your browser or on a mobile version. If you level up your account beyond level 20, you will be able to participate at the yearly Imperia World Championship, but also in other competitions including their latest innovation which simulates a battle royale.
Clash of Clans
Similar with the previously mentioned games, Clash of Clans was described as taking its strength from its simplicity. It reproduces the success model of empire multiplayers allowing for the development of the base, battles with other players and membership in clans and in addition to it comes with a fantasy theme next to the historical one.
When you choose a game bear in mind that free versions always have an in-game premium currency which can be purchased with real money. Lots of dedicated players will invest in it and it will be hard to fight them without doing the same. So in the end, paid games might turn out to be cheaper than the free(mium) ones.
Regardless of the details, building an empire in the virtual world has proved to be a very tempting leisure activity from the beginning of the 90s. Many outsiders wondered why, because if you look at the phenomenon without being part of it you will be rather prone to just see some repetitive and time-consuming actions combined with weird displays of passion from addicted users.
But there is an undeniable charm of being in charge with all the affairs of a large political community, which is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. The common explanation for the popularity of these games refers to power and control. The thirst for power that lies deep inside of us is satisfied when we are put in the position to decide, rule, conquer and most importantly to create societies and destroy enemies.
READ ALSO: Classroom Mode for Minecraft. Learning revolution or just another gimmick?
The main input required from a player of empire-building games is strategical thinking. You will be faced with the challenge of constantly taking decisions related to the economy of your empire without neglecting its military potential. But let’s see in more details what could you expect from these types of games.
Why should you try empire-building games?
- The multitude of decisions you will have to make will develop your cognitive abilities. You can expect to get an extensive training in problem-solving, attention to details and even mathematical skills;
- Strategy games reward patience and punish impulsive decision-making. While controlling the affairs of your virtual empire, you might learn also how to better control yourself;
- There is always something to do when you are an emperor, so boredom is out of the question;
- Choosing the multiplayer version of an empire-building game means you will be faced with a lot of social challenges and you may even end up with real friendships;
- You can learn about different historical periods of mankind and different geographical spaces through games that simulate those realities with quite a high degree of accuracy;
- The average age of those who choose an empire-building game is over 18, so you will not have the feeling that you are a child because you are playing them.
What are the downsides of playing empire-building games?
- Empire-building games are both slow and time-consuming. Usually you will need to play daily to ensure that your progress is not being hindered. Also, you will need to think about it even when you are not playing, remembering to come back at a certain hour to build something or send your army towards a target.
- Because they rely on the desire to have power and usually contain an important social dimension, empire games prove to be easily addictive. You might end up stuck to your pc or phone promising every day to quit and still be unable to do it.
Now that you know the main pros and cons of being a virtual emperor let’s talk about some of the best-known options you can try.
Best paid Empire Games
Civilization
Launched in 1991, Sid Meier’s Civilization is a veteran on the market and one of the first products which stirred the appetite for ruling empires. If you want to play safe while choosing your empire game, stick with the classics. Turn-based strategy, the goal of the game is to successfully rule your civilization through the centuries while developing your society and fighting barbarians and other civilizations. The most recent version of the game is Civilization VI.
Total War
Like Civilization, Total War also features turn-based strategy, but in addition it has a very well-developed component of real-time control of the battles. The various versions of the game have different historical settings, like ancient Rome, Japan and most recently with the release of Total War: Three Kingdoms, China in the times of the Han dynasty.
Crusader Kings
Crusader Kings is launched in 2004 by a well-known publisher in the area of empire games – Paradox Interactive. Still, its sequel Crusader Kings II succeeded to rank higher in popularity. The game is very detailed in terms of political strategy and offers you a powerful immersion in the complicated life of medieval Europe.
Best free(mium) Empire Games
Forge of Empires
Forge of Empires comes with a very ambitious chronological development of the empire, allowing the player to progress from the Stone Age as far as a Space Age where life on other planets becomes possible. It contains turn-based strategy and has browser and mobile versions.
Imperia Online
Imperia Online puts you in charge of a medieval empire that you need to develop while fighting your neighbours. The game constantly resets after one era is over and multiple eras that last from a few weeks to a few months are simultaneously available. You can play both on your browser or on a mobile version. If you level up your account beyond level 20, you will be able to participate at the yearly Imperia World Championship, but also in other competitions including their latest innovation which simulates a battle royale.
Clash of Clans
Similar with the previously mentioned games, Clash of Clans was described as taking its strength from its simplicity. It reproduces the success model of empire multiplayers allowing for the development of the base, battles with other players and membership in clans and in addition to it comes with a fantasy theme next to the historical one.
When you choose a game bear in mind that free versions always have an in-game premium currency which can be purchased with real money. Lots of dedicated players will invest in it and it will be hard to fight them without doing the same. So in the end, paid games might turn out to be cheaper than the free(mium) ones.
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A student of life and probably for life. She likes putting theory into practice and to challenge norms. Currently on a mission to understand human behavior and interaction. Always on the lookout for the next challenge.