real time strategy (RTS): the original "serious game"

A computer game Genre where players manage and transform small amounts and diversity of territory and units on a Maps into large amounts and diversity of territory and units, to succeed in conflict against competitors trying to do the same, in a real-time environment.

The Actions include gathering resources, building and upgrading units and structures, some logistics, and directing units in combat.

Real Time Strategy (RTS) Game. A screen shot from Company of Heroes.

Basic RTS strategies include tech up (researching technology more quickly than anyone else), tank rush (building a large single unit army), and resource domination (being very effective at gathering resources and keeping opponents from doing the same).

See all entries on Maps and Units, and the entry on serious games.

Compare with Turn Based Strategy games.

Author's note: I believe Real Time Strategy games make the most compelling case for Serious Games to date, combining engagement, long-term strategy, interesting systems, and potentially educational backdrops.

More on tank rush: To, early on in a scenario, build a large, mobile army and attack an opponent, hopefully catching them unaware while they are still building up their infrastructure. This is typically an all or nothing strategy, that if fails, leaves the attacker in a vulnerable situation.Tank rush a specific version of a tactic known as swarming.