Overview
Never the same game twice. Relic Entertainment refused to repeat themselves—Homeworld invented 3D space RTS; Impossible Creatures combined animal DNA; Company of Heroes revolutionised tactical combat; Dawn of War brought Warhammer 40K to life. Each project pushed genre boundaries rather than iterating safely. THQ’s bankruptcy led to Sega ownership, where Relic continues innovating.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1997.
- Location: Vancouver, Canada.
- Acquired by: THQ (2004), Sega (2013).
- Philosophy: Innovation per project.
Key releases
| Title | Year | Innovation |
|---|
| Homeworld | 1999 | 3D space RTS |
| Impossible Creatures | 2003 | Unit creation |
| Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War | 2004 | Squad combat |
| Company of Heroes | 2006 | Cover system |
| Dawn of War II | 2009 | RPG hybrid |
Design philosophy
| Principle | Expression |
|---|
| Core innovation | New mechanics per game |
| Genre pushing | Expand RTS definition |
| Polish | High production values |
| Atmosphere | Strong world-building |
Homeworld legacy
| Achievement | Impact |
|---|
| True 3D combat | Industry first |
| Persistent fleet | Emotional stakes |
| Artistic direction | Visual benchmark |
| Narrative integration | Story-driven RTS |
Company of Heroes impact
| Innovation | Influence |
|---|
| Cover system | Infantry tactics |
| Destructible terrain | Dynamic battlefields |
| Resource points | Territory control |
| Veterancy | Unit progression |
Current status
| Project | Status |
|---|
| Company of Heroes 3 | Released 2023 |
| Age of Empires IV | Released 2021 |
| Sega ownership | Ongoing |
See also