A strategy game is a game in which the result is primarily decided based on the participant's decision-making skills, instead of luck, physical prowess, or diplomatic skills. Many strategy games include some element of luck: the demarcation of whether a game is based on luck or strategy can be somewhat subjective. Most would agree that a strategy game is based mainly on strategic principles, rather than random chance. In many games, diplomatic prowess can be an asset, but very rarely would one find a strategy game that relied on physical skills.
Ideally, all players in a strategy game have equal knowledge, leaving the winner determined by superior gameplay; however, in turn-based games, there may be an inherent advantage to moving first or last in the turn order.
The word "strategy" comes from the military, and so does its companion term, "tactics". In general, tactics refers to small scale decision-making, while strategy refers to larger scale. "Tactical" games do exist, but rarely are they referred to as such; usually, the better recognized term "strategy game" is used instead.
Strategy games are often thought of as requiring some level of simulation, but this is not necessary to meet the criteria. Chess, for instance, is a turn-based strategy game: it fulfills the criteria of basing the victory on decision-making, limits random chance, and requires no physical skills.
Other strategy games include:
- Squad Leader