The Total War TV Show Was a Clever Illusion — Here’s How
A Dream for Strategy Fans
Back in 2005, the BBC aired a show called Time Commanders that seemed like a dream come true for strategy game fans. Using the engine from Rome: Total War, the show pitted contestants against each other in large‑scale battles, with participants acting as generals. But as it turns out, the show wasn’t entirely what it seemed.
Engine Still a Work in Progress
According to Scott Pitkethly, a battle architect at Creative Assembly, the game engine used for Time Commanders was still a work in progress when the show was developed. The team was tasked with making the show work despite the game not being fully ready. “We were told it would be great for the company,” Pitkethly recalled. “But we weren’t ready for it.”
The Real Opponents Were Developers
The first twist? The opponents weren’t actually controlled by AI. Instead, developers were secretly playing as the opposing forces, following historical strategies suggested by historians. “We had devs behind the curtain, multiplayer, playing against the contestants,” said game director Pawel Wojs.
Cheat Codes for Drama
But that’s not all. The developers also used cheat codes to ensure the battles unfolded in a dramatic and coherent way. “The contestants might make a poor strategic move, or a really good one,” Pitkethly explained. “We had to have all of these cheat codes so we could actually make the game unfold in the way they wanted it.”
Contestants Were Just Giving Orders
In essence, the contestants were merely giving orders while the real action was controlled by the developers. “It’s kind of embarrassing,” Pitkethly admitted. “But it’s television.”
Lasting Impact on Total War Fans
Despite the revelation, the show left a lasting impression on fans. For Wojs, seeing Time Commanders on TV was a defining moment. He recognized the game engine from Rome: Total War and was thrilled when Creative Assembly reached out to him after he graduated. Wojs eventually joined the team and worked on Medieval 2 and its sequel.
A Bridge to the Total War Series
The show also had a lasting impact on the Total War series. Though the BBC couldn’t officially advertise the game, Time Commanders introduced many viewers to the world of Total War. The show even returned in 2016 with a three‑part special using Total War: Rome 2, though those episodes might not be as fondly remembered.
The Series Today
Fast forward to today, and the Total War series is still going strong. During a recent 25th‑anniversary stream, Creative Assembly and Sega announced that Total War: Medieval 3 is in pre‑production. The studio calls it “the rebirth of historical Total War,” giving fans something new to look forward to.
Conclusion
While Time Commanders may have been a carefully crafted illusion, it played a key role in bringing strategy games into the spotlight and inspiring the next generation of developers. Its legacy lives on in every epic battle that fans now command from their own screens.
