Stardock Entertainment has unveiled 'Ashes of the Singularity 2,' the sequel to its 2016 real-time strategy game. The new installment introduces a third faction—humans—alongside the returning Post-Human Coalition and AI Substrate. Set in a sci-fi dystopia, players command the United Earth Forces to reclaim Earth from an AI rebellion and technologically advanced Post-Humans. Each faction offers unique units and ideologies, emphasizing diverse strategies and objectives.

The sequel boasts improved animations and massive continental-scale warfare, allowing players to manage entire regions rather than individual buildings. Gameplay decisions impact the environment, enabling ecological restoration or irreversible destruction. While Stardock has previously utilized generative AI in games like 'Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova,' there's no indication that similar technologies were employed in this game's development. A release date has yet to be confirmed, but players can wishlist it on Steam.

In related news, 'Stormgate,' a free-to-play real-time strategy game developed by Frost Giant Studios—composed of former Starcraft and Warcraft developers—officially launched out of Steam Early Access on August 6, 2025. Despite its full release, the game maintains a mixed reception, holding steady at 50% positive Steam user reviews, with recent reviews slightly more favorable at 58%. The developers acknowledge the gradual improvement and stress that the game remains in active development.

The launch version includes the completed 'Ashes of Earth' campaign, 1v1 PvP, AI Skirmish missions, and the Sigma Labs mode, which features terrain editing and 3-player co-op. Frost Giant has outlined a detailed post-launch roadmap, promising major updates such as a 3v3 Team Mayhem mode, expanded co-op support, additional free campaign missions, and enhanced game editor tools. Rather than aiming for a traditional 1.0 release, the studio is using codenames to mark significant development milestones. Developers emphasize that this launch is just a step toward a larger long-term vision, positioning Stormgate as a constantly evolving title in a genre they see as underrepresented.

Additionally, 'Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era,' a prequel to the iconic Heroes of Might & Magic series, is set for early access later in 2025, co-published by Hooded Horse and Ubisoft. For fans of the beloved Heroes 3, the new title promises to recapture the series' essence with enhanced visuals and the same isometric, turn-based gameplay that defined the original. Featuring deep yet accessible base-building mechanics and immersive world exploration, Olden Era allows players to raise unique armies by constructing different faction-based buildings, such as archery ranges and taverns. The game also highlights classic unit types like Behemoths and Unicorns, a nostalgic nod for longtime fans. Hooded Horse, known for the success of Manor Lords and other top-tier strategy games, lends substantial credence to the project's promise.

These developments highlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of strategy games, with both new entries and remastered classics offering diverse experiences for enthusiasts.