Publisher and developer Play of Battle has unveiled the Steam page for its debut project, Systemic War, which promises a different approach to the grand strategy genre while weaving in explosive RTS battles for good measure.
Exploring the period between 2008 to 2025, the title puts us in charge of nations such as the USA, China, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, or Turkey, tasking us with navigating the dynamic modern geopolitical landscape.
Systemic War Steam Next Fest Demo
Departing from genre tradition, Systemic War trades provinces for a world map based on a “living infrastructure model,” in which rail and road networks have a massive say in how logistics and army movement play out.
Each nation’s economy is based on the IS-LM-BP model, “balancing interest rate, GDP, and price levels.” We’ll get to engage in international trade, develop industry, and decide which area to specialize in.
Should exporting raw materials not be an option, manufacturing intermediate goods or providing innovative technologies could secure our nation a vital position in the global supply chain.
Diplomacy then revolves around conflict escalation, with hybrid actions stepping into the spotlight to weaken opponents and gain allies.
A measured approach can see you gradually increasing your influence globally, while “an overly aggressive policy and humiliating a nuclear power may push the world to the brink of atomic annihilation, which means game over.”
Research also plays a role in Systemic War, and balancing upgrading existing weapons systems with pushing towards a new generation of military technology and improving your nation’s infrastructure, energy, and logistics is a key aspect of staying relevant in the global race.
Systemic War’s real-time battles take place on more than 25 handcrafted maps set in real-world locations like Hostomel, Warsaw, Aleppo, Taiwan, and Guam.
On the battlefield, we’ll use over 150 customizable units while employing reconnaissance tactics, drone strikes, and electronic warfare to gain the upper hand.
Systemic War is expected to launch at some point in 2026. If its different take on grand strategy happens to be right up your alley, you’ll be able to play it between October 13 and October 20, when its Steam Next Fest demo goes live.
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