In the world of real-time strategy games, few franchises have left as indelible a mark as Command & Conquer. Known for its innovative gameplay, compelling narratives, and intricate mechanics, the series has been a cornerstone for RTS enthusiasts since its inception. Among the many titles in this storied franchise, one game stands out not for its achievements, but for its unfulfilled promise: Command & Conquer: Generals 2. Announced with great excitement and significant anticipation, Generals 2 was poised to revolutionize the series. Yet, despite the fervour it inspired, the game was never released.
The Legacy of Command & Conquer
To fully grasp the significance of Generals 2, one must first appreciate the legacy of the Command & Conquer series. Launched in 1995 by Westwood Studios, the original Command & Conquer set a new standard for RTS games, combining fast-paced gameplay with rich storytelling and a compelling user interface. Its success spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, each contributing to the franchise’s reputation for strategic depth and engaging narratives. Among these, Command & Conquer: Generals, released in 2003, stood out for its contemporary setting and focus on modern warfare, introducing players to a world of advanced technology and geopolitics. This instalment shifted the series from its science fiction roots to a more realistic portrayal of global conflicts, resonating with players who appreciated its gritty, real-world scenarios and complex strategies.
The Announcement of Generals 2
In December 2011, during the Spike Video Game Awards, Electronic Arts (EA) unveiled Command & Conquer: Generals 2 to much fanfare. Developed by BioWare Victory, a studio renowned for its RPG expertise, the game was to utilize the Frostbite 2 engine, promising cutting-edge graphics and physics. The announcement trailer showcased stunning visuals and intense combat scenarios, immediately capturing the imagination of fans. The excitement was palpable as the trailer revealed a game that seemed ready to push the boundaries of what was possible in an RTS. The game was set to feature three factions: the European Union, the Global Liberation Army, and the Asia-Pacific Alliance, each with unique units and strategies designed to offer a diverse and dynamic gameplay experience. The promise of photorealistic environments, destructible terrain, and intricate battle mechanics suggested a game that could redefine the genre.
The Promise of Generals 2
The vision for Generals 2 was nothing short of ambitious. It aimed to blend the series’ classic RTS elements with modern advancements in game design and technology, creating a seamless experience that would appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers. The Frostbite 2 engine was at the heart of this vision, offering photorealistic environments and destructible terrain that would add unprecedented strategic depth to the gameplay. Players could look forward to dynamic single-player campaigns with branching storylines, where their choices would influence the game’s outcome, ensuring a high degree of replayability. Multiplayer gameplay was to be a core focus, with plans for competitive online modes, customizable armies, and extensive support for the modding community. This focus on community engagement was seen as a way to keep the game fresh and evolving, allowing players to create and share their own content. True to the series’ roots, Generals 2 aimed to deliver intricate tactical gameplay, where resource management, unit positioning, and battlefield awareness were paramount. The game’s design philosophy was rooted in providing a challenging yet rewarding experience, where strategic thinking and quick decision-making would be key to victory.
The Shift to Free-to-Play
In a surprising move, EA announced in 2012 that Generals 2 would transition from a traditional boxed product to a free-to-play model, rebranded simply as Command & Conquer. This shift was part of EA’s broader strategy to capitalize on the burgeoning free-to-play market, which was seen as a way to reach a wider audience and ensure the game’s longevity through continuous updates and microtransactions. The new direction promised regular content updates and a focus on multiplayer engagements, with the potential for a constantly evolving game world. However, this decision was met with mixed reactions from the community. While some welcomed the accessibility of the free-to-play model, others feared it would compromise the game’s quality and depth. Concerns arose over the potential for pay-to-win mechanics, where players who spent money could gain significant advantages over those who did not, fundamentally altering the balance and fairness that are critical in an RTS game.
Development Challenges and Cancellation
The transition to free-to-play marked the beginning of a tumultuous development cycle. Internal restructuring at EA, coupled with mounting technical and design challenges, hampered progress. Despite several alpha tests and gameplay demonstrations, the game struggled to find a cohesive identity. The ambitious vision for Generals 2 seemed increasingly difficult to realize within the constraints of the new model. In October 2013, EA made the difficult decision to cancel Command & Conquer. In a statement, the company cited feedback from the community and internal assessments indicating that the game was not meeting its high standards for quality and fun. BioWare Victory was subsequently disbanded, and the game’s assets were shelved. This decision was a significant blow to the dedicated fans who had been eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the Command & Conquer series.
The Legacy of a Lost Game
Although Generals 2 never reached completion, its story remains a poignant chapter in the history of Command & Conquer. The game’s ambitious vision and the excitement it generated among fans are testaments to the enduring appeal of the franchise. The narrative backdrop for Generals 2 was particularly compelling: set in 2023, ten years after the events of Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour, the game was to explore a world where the United States had lost much of its global influence and adopted an isolationist policy. In this power vacuum, China emerged as the dominant world power, forging closer ties with the European Union to form the Eurasian Unity League, intended to replace the US-led NATO. However, as relations between China and the EU soured, the League dissolved. China, along with multiple East Asian nations, formed the Asia-Pacific Alliance (APA), a new global superpower. Meanwhile, the EU, determined to remain independent, unified the militaries of its member states and rapidly expanded, becoming the most technologically advanced faction in the world.
As the EU and APA became the leading global powers, tensions escalated, leading to strained relations and eventual conflict. The EU’s expansionist agenda resulted in the creation of satellite states and the backing of various dictators, causing concern within the APA. Amidst this geopolitical turmoil, a series of bloody uprisings began to destabilize key APA and EU satellite nations. Rumours suggested the involvement of a reconstituted Global Liberation Army (GLA), but reports indicated that the rebels possessed technology far beyond the reach of any ordinary terrorist organization. In response, the APA dispatched an elite force to infiltrate the latest rebellion, targeting an EU-backed dictator. Their mission: uncover the truth about the new GLA, undermine the EU’s influence, and restore peace to the globe.
While Generals 2 may never be played, its legacy lives on in the lessons learned from its development and the ongoing passion of the Command & Conquer community. In recent years, the resurgence of interest in classic RTS games has led to remastered editions of earlier titles, rekindling hope that someday, the spirit of Generals 2 might be resurrected in a new form. Until then, it remains a fascinating “what if” in the annals of gaming, a reminder of the complex journey from concept to release.
Promise Unfulfilled
Command & Conquer: Generals 2 was a game that held immense promise, poised to push the boundaries of the RTS genre. Its cancellation was a significant disappointment for fans, but the story of its development offers valuable insights into the challenges of game design and the volatile nature of the gaming industry. While we may never experience the battles of Generals 2, the dream of what it could have been continues to inspire and captivate gamers around the world.
