From Humble Beginnings: How Total War: Shogun’s Unlikely Genesis Paved the Way for a Legendary Franchise

When we think of the Total War series, our minds immediately conjure images of colossal armies clashing on epic battlefields, intricate grand strategy maps, and the deep, satisfying engagement of conquering vast empires. The franchise, now synonymous with historical real-time strategy (RTS), boasts a pedigree that stretches across centuries and continents, immersing players in everything from the Roman Republic to the Napoleonic Wars and beyond. Yet, the genesis of this juggernaut of a series was far from the grand, meticulously planned endeavor that its current standing might suggest. In fact, the very first title, Total War: Shogun, known as Shogun: Total War in its original release, began its life as something considerably more modest – a “quick and cheerful B-grade RTS” intended not as the cornerstone of a future empire, but as a financial stepping stone for its ambitious creators, Creative Assembly. Their true passion, the dream that fueled this initial project, lay in an entirely different genre and a vastly different world: an RPG deeply inspired by the rich tapestry of Monkey: Journey to the West.

This revelation, that the foundational pillar of one of gaming’s most celebrated strategy franchises was born out of necessity and a fervent desire to fund a completely different creative vision, adds a fascinating layer of irony and intrigue to the Total War legacy. It’s a testament to the unexpected paths that innovation can take, and how a project conceived with a singular, perhaps even secondary, purpose can evolve into something far grander and more enduring than its creators might have initially dared to imagine. Understanding this origin story is not just an academic exercise for enthusiasts; it provides invaluable context for appreciating the dedication, ingenuity, and sheer perseverance that characterized the early days of Creative Assembly. It’s a narrative of vision, adaptation, and ultimately, triumphant realization, demonstrating that even the most unlikely of beginnings can lead to legendary status.

The Genesis of Ambition: Funding the Dream of a Monkey RPG

Creative Assembly, at its inception, was a studio driven by a singular, deeply held ambition: to bring the epic and fantastical tales of Monkey: Journey to the West to life in the nascent world of role-playing games (RPGs). This classic Chinese novel, with its compelling characters like the mischievous Monkey King, Sun Wukong, the wise Tang Sanzang, the loyal Pigsy, and the steadfast Sandy, offered a universe brimming with magic, adventure, and profound philosophical underpinnings. The potential for an immersive RPG experience, where players could embody these iconic figures or forge their own path through a mythical landscape, was immense.

However, the development of ambitious RPGs in the late 1990s was a resource-intensive undertaking. Such projects demanded significant financial investment, not only in terms of development talent but also in the technology and assets required to create a compelling and expansive world. For a relatively young studio like Creative Assembly, securing the necessary funding to realize such a grand vision was a formidable challenge. They needed a project that could generate revenue quickly and efficiently, a financial engine to power their true passion.

It was within this strategic imperative that the idea for Shogun: Total War began to take shape. The burgeoning market for real-time strategy (RTS) games offered a more accessible entry point for development. RTS titles, while still demanding, often required a more focused scope and a less complex character progression system compared to deep RPGs. Furthermore, the appeal of historical settings, particularly those with distinct cultures and conflicts, was proving to be a strong draw for gamers. The Sengoku period of Japan, with its samurai warfare, political intrigue, and dramatic clan rivalries, presented a rich and compelling backdrop for an RTS.

The initial concept for Shogun was, by the studio’s own accounts, far removed from the intricate strategic depth and expansive scope that would later define the Total War brand. It was envisioned as a “quick and cheerful B-grade RTS.” This descriptor highlights a pragmatic approach. The goal was not necessarily to create a genre-defining masterpiece from the outset, but rather a solid, enjoyable game that could achieve commercial success and, crucially, provide the capital needed to greenlight their Monkey RPG dream. The focus was on delivering a polished and engaging gameplay experience within a manageable development cycle and budget, ensuring a return on investment that would then unlock the doors to their more personal, passion-driven project. This pragmatic strategy underscores the business acumen that, alongside their creative talent, was essential for the survival and eventual success of Creative Assembly.

Total War: Shogun’s Unexpected Ascendancy: From Fundraiser to Franchise Starter

The development of Shogun: Total War was driven by a clear, albeit secondary, objective: to generate the funds necessary to pursue Creative Assembly’s dream RPG, “Monkey.” The prevailing sentiment within the studio was that this historical RTS would be a “quick and cheerful B-grade RTS,” a project that could be executed efficiently and deliver a profitable outcome. However, the very act of bringing this pragmatic concept to life proved to be an unforeseen catalyst for something far more profound.

As the development team delved into the Sengoku period of Japanese history, they discovered a wealth of strategic and narrative potential. The intricate political landscape, the rise and fall of powerful clans, the disciplined yet brutal nature of samurai warfare – these elements provided an ideal canvas for a strategy game. The team’s inherent passion for historical accuracy and detail, a trait that would become a hallmark of the Total War series, began to infuse the project. What started as a means to an end began to morph into a labor of love.

The innovative integration of turn-based campaign map strategy with real-time tactical battles was a revolutionary concept at the time. This dual-layer approach allowed for both the grand sweep of empire management and the visceral thrill of direct command on the battlefield. Players were tasked with managing resources, forging alliances, conducting diplomacy, and raising armies on the campaign map, all while preparing for the decisive moment when their meticulously planned forces would engage in epic, large-scale battles played out in real-time. This seamless blending of genres was groundbreaking.

The attention to detail in recreating the samurai warfare of the era was also exceptional. From the distinct unit types, such as ashigaru, samurai warriors, and cavalry, to the strategic considerations of terrain, formations, and morale, Shogun: Total War offered a depth of tactical gameplay rarely seen in RTS titles of the period. The visual fidelity, for its time, was also impressive, contributing to the overall immersion and the sense of commanding genuine historical armies.

When Shogun: Total War was released in 2000, its reception far exceeded the studio’s initial expectations. Critics lauded its innovative gameplay mechanics, its historical authenticity, and its engaging strategic depth. Players were captivated by the opportunity to relive the dramatic history of feudal Japan, leading their chosen clan to dominance. The game achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, far surpassing the modest goals set for its fundraising purpose.

This unexpected triumph had a dual effect. Firstly, it provided Creative Assembly with the financial resources they had initially sought to fund their Monkey RPG. However, and perhaps more significantly, it also revealed a latent, powerful appetite for the historical strategy genre that the studio had inadvertently tapped into. The success of Shogun wasn’t just a financial windfall; it was a validation of a new strategic paradigm. It demonstrated that there was a significant market for games that combined deep strategic planning with compelling real-time combat, all grounded in meticulously researched historical settings. This realization shifted the internal focus. While the dream of the Monkey RPG likely remained, the unprecedented success and potential of the Total War formula could no longer be ignored. The “quick and cheerful B-grade RTS” had unexpectedly become the foundation of a dynasty, setting the stage for what would become one of gaming’s most enduring and celebrated franchises.

The “Monkey” Dream: A Detour or a Foundation?

The narrative of Shogun: Total War’s origins is inextricably linked to the studio’s ambitious aspirations for an RPG based on “Monkey: Journey to the West.” This passion project, deeply rooted in a revered piece of classic literature, represented a significant creative undertaking for Creative Assembly. The novel’s rich lore, its ensemble of memorable characters, and its themes of redemption, perseverance, and the nature of enlightenment provided fertile ground for an immersive RPG experience.

Developing a high-quality RPG in the late 1990s was a technologically and financially demanding endeavor. Such games required intricate character progression systems, complex dialogue trees, expansive explorable worlds, and often, sophisticated AI to manage enemy encounters and non-player character interactions. These elements demanded substantial investment in both development talent and technological infrastructure. For a studio that was still establishing its footing in the competitive gaming landscape, funding such a project was a considerable hurdle.

The strategy was clear: create a more accessible, commercially viable title that could generate the necessary capital to fuel the larger, more personal “Monkey” project. Shogun: Total War, in this context, was conceived as a strategic financial vehicle. It was a way to build a financial cushion, to prove their capabilities in a different genre, and ultimately, to secure the resources needed to bring their true passion project to fruition. The initial perception of Shogun as a “quick and cheerful B-grade RTS” speaks volumes about this pragmatic approach. It wasn’t necessarily about creating the ultimate historical simulation, but rather about creating a product that would sell, and sell well enough to unlock the door to their dream game.

However, the unforeseen and overwhelming success of Shogun: Total War introduced a critical pivot in the studio’s trajectory. The game’s innovative blend of turn-based grand strategy and real-time tactical combat, its historical accuracy, and its sheer addictive gameplay resonated powerfully with a vast audience. This commercial and critical triumph did more than just provide the intended financial backing; it validated a new genre of strategy gaming and established Creative Assembly as a formidable force within it.

The success of Shogun created a dilemma, albeit a positive one. The financial means to pursue the “Monkey” RPG were now within reach. Yet, the dominant player in the market, the burgeoning “Total War” franchise, had also demonstrated an immense commercial and critical appeal. The resources and development focus that had been initially earmarked for a singular RPG project now had a powerful, highly successful alternative demanding attention.

It is important to understand that the ambition for the “Monkey” RPG likely never truly disappeared. It represented a deeply held creative aspiration. However, the reality of the games industry, especially for development studios, often involves responding to market opportunities and building upon existing successes. The overwhelming success of Shogun and the subsequent titles that followed cemented the Total War brand as the studio’s flagship.

The development of Shogun wasn’t a deviation from the “Monkey” dream; rather, it became an unplanned but crucial foundation for it, and for much more. The experience gained in developing Shogun – the refinement of their engine, the deepening of their understanding of player engagement, the building of a dedicated fanbase – provided invaluable assets that could, in theory, be applied to future projects, including perhaps even a future iteration of their RPG aspirations. While the “Monkey” game may not have materialized in the way initially envisioned, the pragmatic steps taken to fund it ultimately led to the creation of a legendary franchise that has captivated millions, showcasing how initial constraints can foster immense, albeit sometimes unexpected, creativity and success. The journey of Creative Assembly highlights a crucial lesson: sometimes, the most effective way to fund your dream is to first build something that the world desperately wants.

The Enduring Legacy: How Total War Redefined Strategy Gaming

The impact of Shogun: Total War extends far beyond its initial role as a fundraising vehicle. Its release in 2000 marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the real-time strategy (RTS) and grand strategy genres. By seamlessly integrating a turn-based campaign map with real-time tactical battles, Creative Assembly introduced a paradigm shift in how players could engage with historical warfare and empire management. This innovative dual-layer approach offered an unprecedented depth of experience, combining the strategic foresight required for long-term planning with the visceral thrill of commanding armies on the battlefield.

The campaign map in Shogun was no mere backdrop; it was a living, breathing strategic environment. Players navigated a detailed map of feudal Japan, managing provinces, collecting taxes, recruiting armies, conducting diplomacy with rival clans, and plotting their territorial expansion. Each decision made on the campaign map had tangible consequences that rippled through to the real-time battles. This meticulous attention to detail in replicating the political and economic realities of the Sengoku period was a crucial element of its appeal. It wasn’t just about winning battles; it was about outmaneuvering opponents on multiple fronts.

When armies met, the game transitioned into spectacular real-time battles. These battles were characterized by large-scale unit engagements, historically accurate troop types such as samurai infantry, archers, and cavalry, and a focus on tactical positioning and unit cohesion. The ability to command hundreds, and eventually thousands, of individual soldiers in a visually impressive and strategically demanding environment was groundbreaking for its time. The physics engine, the AI behavior, and the visual presentation of the battles all contributed to an immersive and engaging experience that set a new benchmark for the genre.

Furthermore, Shogun: Total War’s commitment to historical authenticity became a cornerstone of the Total War franchise. While fictionalized elements are often incorporated for gameplay purposes, the core research into the period, the unit designs, and the strategic considerations reflected a genuine effort to capture the essence of samurai warfare. This dedication to historical detail appealed not only to strategy gamers but also to history enthusiasts, creating a broad and dedicated fanbase.

The success of Shogun paved the way for a long and illustrious series. Each subsequent Total War title has built upon the foundational mechanics established in the original, exploring new historical periods and expanding the scope and complexity of the gameplay. From the legions of Rome in Rome: Total War to the vast empires of the medieval era in Medieval: Total War, and later to the gunpowder-era conflicts and beyond, the franchise has consistently delivered high-quality strategic experiences.

The Total War series has not only achieved immense commercial success but has also significantly influenced the landscape of strategy gaming. It popularized the blend of turn-based campaign strategy with real-time tactical battles, a formula that has been emulated by many other developers. The franchise’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to provide both deep strategic engagement and thrilling tactical combat, all wrapped in meticulously researched and beautifully realized historical settings.

The story of Total War: Shogun is a compelling testament to how a project born out of a pragmatic need can evolve into something far greater. What began as a “quick and cheerful B-grade RTS” to fund a different dream ultimately became the genesis of a legendary franchise that redefined expectations for strategy games and continues to captivate players with its epic scope, historical depth, and unparalleled strategic gameplay. The legacy of Shogun is not just about its commercial success; it’s about the innovation, the dedication, and the enduring power of a well-executed vision, proving that even the most humble beginnings can lead to the establishment of an empire.

The Strategic Innovations of Shogun: Total War

Shogun: Total War, upon its release, was not merely another entry in the burgeoning RTS market. It was a bold and innovative reimagining of what a strategy game could be. The core of its revolutionary appeal lay in its ingenious dual-layer design, a fusion of meticulous turn-based campaign management and dynamic, large-scale real-time tactical battles. This was a departure from many of its contemporaries, which often focused on one aspect of warfare to the exclusion of the other.

The Turn-Based Campaign: A Masterclass in Grand Strategy

The campaign map of feudal Japan provided players with an intricate and challenging strategic environment. This was not a static board but a dynamic simulation of political maneuvering, economic management, and military preparation. Players were tasked with governing their chosen clan, managing their provinces, ensuring the loyalty of their populace, and developing their infrastructure.

• Provincial Management: Each province offered unique resources and strategic advantages. Players had to balance taxation to generate income with the risk of inciting rebellion. Constructing buildings such as castles, farms, and markets was crucial for economic growth, military recruitment, and defensive capabilities.
• Diplomacy and Intrigue: The Sengoku period was rife with shifting alliances and betrayals. Shogun brilliantly captured this by allowing players to engage in diplomacy with other clans, forge alliances, arrange marriages, and even resort to espionage and assassination to weaken their rivals. The shogunate system itself played a significant role, influencing the political landscape and the potential for internal strife.
• Army Management and Movement: Raising and maintaining armies was a costly but necessary endeavor. Players had to recruit diverse units, including the iconic samurai, ashigaru spearmen, archers, and cavalry. Moving armies across the map was a strategic decision in itself, consuming turns and leaving territories vulnerable if not planned carefully. The logistics and supply of armies, while not overtly simulated in granular detail, were implicitly represented by the cost and time required to move and maintain them.
• Technological and Military Advancement: The campaign allowed for the gradual research and development of new military technologies and tactics, reflecting the historical evolution of warfare during the period. This provided players with a tangible sense of progression and allowed for adapting their military might as the game unfolded.

Real-Time Battles: The Visceral Heart of Total War

When opposing armies met on the campaign map, the game seamlessly transitioned into real-time tactical battles that were both visually impressive and strategically deep. This was where the “Total War” moniker truly came to life.

• Large-Scale Engagements: The battles featured hundreds, and at times thousands, of individual combat units on screen simultaneously. This created a sense of immense scale and the feeling of commanding vast armies in historically plausible conflicts. The frame rate and performance for the era were commendable, allowing for smooth execution of these massive encounters.
• Diverse Unit Types and Formations: Shogun offered a variety of unit types, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and combat roles. Samurai warriors, with their superior armor and weaponry, were powerful shock troops. Ashigaru, the common foot soldiers, formed the backbone of most armies. Archers provided ranged support, while cavalry offered flanking and pursuit capabilities. Players had to master the use of formations, deploying their units effectively to counter enemy strengths and exploit their weaknesses. The morale system was also a critical factor, influencing unit performance and the likelihood of routing.
• Terrain and Environmental Factors: The battlefield environment played a significant role in tactical decision-making. Controlling high ground, utilizing choke points, and maneuvering through forests or across rivers could provide crucial advantages. The weather effects and time of day, while perhaps not as advanced as in later titles, added another layer of immersion and strategic consideration.
• Tactical Flexibility: The real-time battles allowed for a high degree of tactical flexibility. Players could order flanking maneuvers, execute feigned retreats, concentrate fire on specific enemy units, and react dynamically to the ever-changing flow of battle. The unit AI was designed to respond intelligently to orders and engage the enemy effectively, while still requiring player input to achieve victory.

The synergy between the turn-based campaign and the real-time battles was the masterstroke of Shogun: Total War. Decisions made on the strategic map directly impacted the available forces, their readiness, and the very conditions under which battles would be fought. Conversely, success or failure in battle could dramatically alter the strategic landscape, opening up new opportunities or creating devastating setbacks. This intricate interplay created a compelling loop of strategic planning and tactical execution that has remained the core of the Total War franchise and has influenced countless strategy games that followed. It was this innovative design that elevated Shogun from a simple RTS to a genre-defining experience, laying the groundwork for decades of strategic dominance.

The Cultural and Historical Tapestry: Feudal Japan Brought to Life

The choice of the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States period) of Japan as the setting for Shogun: Total War was not merely an aesthetic preference; it was a strategic decision that resonated deeply with the game’s mechanics and immersive potential. This era, roughly spanning the 15th to the early 17th centuries, was a tumultuous period characterized by intense internal conflict, the rise and fall of powerful samurai clans, and profound societal upheaval. Creative Assembly’s commitment to capturing the essence of this historical period was instrumental in the game’s widespread appeal and its enduring legacy.

The Samurai: More Than Just Soldiers

Central to the game’s historical fidelity was its portrayal of the samurai. These were not just warriors; they were a distinct social class with their own code of honor, Bushido, and their own intricate weaponry and armor.

• Unit Diversity: Shogun: Total War featured various samurai units, from the lightly armored samurai archers to the heavily armored samurai heavy infantry and cavalry. Each unit possessed different combat statistics, reflecting their historical roles and effectiveness. The iconic katana, the yari (spear), and the yumi (bow) were all represented, contributing to the authenticity of the combat.
• Bushido and Morale: While not explicitly simulated with complex mechanics, the spirit of Bushido was implicitly present in the unit morale system. Samurai units, particularly the elite samurai infantry, were depicted as having higher morale and being less prone to routing than their ashigaru counterparts. Their dedication and fierce loyalty were intended to be palpable on the battlefield, making them formidable shock troops.
• Strategic Deployment: The samurai’s unique capabilities made them crucial for executing decisive maneuvers, such as flanking attacks or holding critical defensive positions. Their cost and recruitment limitations meant that their deployment on the campaign map and their use in battle were carefully considered strategic decisions.

The Clans: Rival Dynasties in a Fractured Land

The Sengoku period was defined by the intense rivalries between powerful daimyo (feudal lords) who controlled vast territories and commanded significant armies. Shogun: Total War allowed players to choose from several of these historical clans, each with its own starting position, unique bonuses, and historical context.

• Clan Selection and Bonuses: Playing as different clans, such as the Oda, Takeda, Uesugi, or Hojo, offered distinct strategic advantages. For instance, one clan might have superior cavalry, while another might benefit from faster castle construction or improved diplomatic relations. These clan-specific bonuses encouraged replayability and offered varied strategic approaches to achieving dominance.
• Dynastic Ambitions: The goal of each clan was to unify Japan, either by defeating all rivals militarily or by achieving the highest honor and becoming Shogun. This overarching objective provided a clear and compelling narrative drive for the campaign, mirroring the historical ambitions of the real daimyo.
• Internal Politics and Loyalty: The game also touched upon the internal politics of each clan, with generals and governors potentially displaying loyalty or disloyalty, and the possibility of revolts. While simplified, this aspect added a layer of complexity to managing one’s burgeoning empire.

The Battlefield: From Traditional Warfare to the Dawn of Firearms

The warfare of the Sengoku period was a fascinating transition, moving from traditional melee combat towards the increasing adoption of firearms, particularly the arquebus. Shogun: Total War reflected this evolution, offering a glimpse into the changing face of warfare.

• Ashigaru and Ranged Warfare: The ashigaru units often formed the bulk of armies and were crucial for ranged attacks with bows and, later in the game, with arquebuses. The introduction of gunpowder units added a new dimension to tactical combat, requiring players to adapt their strategies to utilize volley fire and the disruptive effect of early firearms.
• Castle Sieges: Battles often culminated in sieges of fortified castles, which were central to territorial control. These sieges involved specialized siege units and tactics, and the outcome of such engagements could significantly impact the flow of the campaign. The fortifications and defensive structures within the game were designed to reflect the historical castles of the era.
• Naval Warfare: While less prominent than land battles, Shogun also included naval warfare, allowing players to engage in sea battles to control trade routes and transport troops. The wooden warships and naval tactics of the period were represented, adding another dimension to the overall strategic picture.

The cultural and historical tapestry woven by Creative Assembly in Shogun: Total War was a significant factor in its success. By meticulously researching and faithfully representing the samurai, the clans, and the warfare of feudal Japan, they created an experience that was not only strategically engaging but also deeply immersive and educational. This commitment to historical detail established a precedent for the Total War series, ensuring that each subsequent title would transport players to a different era with a similar level of authenticity and depth, solidifying its reputation as a leader in historical strategy gaming.

The Unforeseen Impact: Shaping the Future of Strategy Games

The trajectory of Shogun: Total War is a remarkable case study in how innovation, ambition, and a touch of serendipity can converge to shape an entire genre. What began as a pragmatic solution to fund a different project unexpectedly blossomed into the genesis of a legendary franchise and left an indelible mark on the landscape of strategy gaming.

Popularizing the Hybrid Genre

The most significant and enduring impact of Shogun: Total War was its popularization of the hybrid genre that blended turn-based grand strategy with real-time tactical battles. While elements of this approach had been seen in earlier games, Shogun refined and perfected the formula, demonstrating its immense potential for deep player engagement.

• A Compelling Gameplay Loop: This dual-layer approach created a highly addictive gameplay loop. The strategic decisions made on the campaign map – the building of cities, the diplomacy, the army positioning – directly influenced the tactical battles that followed. Conversely, the outcomes of those battles had profound strategic implications, dictating territorial control, available resources, and the overall balance of power. This seamless integration provided a holistic experience that appealed to players who enjoyed both the cerebral challenge of grand strategy and the visceral excitement of real-time combat.
• Influence on Subsequent Titles: The success of Shogun established a blueprint that many subsequent strategy games would emulate. Developers recognized the appeal of this hybrid model, leading to its adoption and adaptation by numerous other titles in the years that followed, cementing its status as a standard-setting design.

Setting a New Standard for Historical Authenticity

Creative Assembly’s dedication to historical accuracy in Shogun: Total War set a new benchmark for the strategy genre. The meticulous research into the Sengoku period, the faithful representation of samurai culture, unit types, and weaponry, and the depiction of historical conflicts lent a profound sense of authenticity to the game.

• Educating and Entertaining: This commitment to historical detail not only enhanced the immersion but also served an educational purpose, introducing players to a fascinating period of Japanese history. This blend of entertainment and historical learning proved to be a potent combination, attracting a broad audience beyond traditional strategy gamers.
• A Franchise Hallmark: The emphasis on historical authenticity became a defining characteristic of the Total War franchise. Each subsequent title has strived to provide a similarly deep and accurate portrayal of its chosen historical setting, building a reputation for quality and depth that continues to attract players.

Forging a Lasting Franchise

The commercial and critical success of Shogun: Total War provided Creative Assembly with the foundation and the confidence to build upon their groundbreaking formula. The Total War franchise has since expanded to encompass a vast array of historical periods, from ancient Rome and the Greek city-states to the Napoleonic Wars, Victorian era, and even fantasy settings with Total War: Warhammer.

• Continuous Innovation: Across its many iterations, the Total War series has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, introducing new mechanics, improving graphical fidelity, and expanding the scope of both campaign and battle gameplay. This commitment to continuous innovation has kept the franchise fresh and engaging for over two decades.
• A Dedicated Community: The Total War series has cultivated a large and passionate community of players who appreciate its depth, complexity, and historical immersion. This dedicated fanbase has been instrumental in the franchise’s sustained success, providing valuable feedback and contributing to its vibrant modding scene.

In conclusion, Shogun: Total War’s journey from a modest fundraising project to the progenitor of a globally recognized strategy empire is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptation. Its strategic innovations, its commitment to historical authenticity, and its unforeseen commercial success not only secured the future of Creative Assembly but also fundamentally reshaped the strategy gaming genre, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate players around the world. The dream of “Monkey” may have been the initial spark, but the pragmatic execution of Shogun ignited a flame that would illuminate the path to strategic gaming greatness.