Micromanagement (computer gaming)

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The term micromanagement (in this context, often abbreviated to simply micro) is used in strategy computer games to describe a facet of gameplay.

In turn-based strategy games, micromanagement is a style of play where the player manages the fine details of the game, as well as overall strategy. In real-time strategy games, micromanagement refers to a player's management over individual units in combat situations.

In strategy games where micromanagement occurs, it is usually an integral and skill-testing part of the gameplay; as such it is not considered a pejorative term as it is in its original, business management sense (see micromanagement). However, critics of this style of gameplay use the term in its pejorative sense, usually in such forms as "micromanagement hell".

Skilled players of real-time strategy games are distinguished by their strong micromanagement abilities. Quick reflexes allow such players to manage many units with fine control. Utility and add-on programs can measure a players micromanagement, counting Actions per minute, although it only gives a hint about the skill of the player. Micromanagement is one of the most visible attributes of a high end player in real time strategy games, albeit to the unskilled observer this is usually only visible if the observer can physically observe the player use the keyboard and mouse.

Basic principles of micromanagement

Micromanagement is about having an overview of the battle, knowing what goes on. Its goal is to extend the effectiveness of the units under the control of the player beyond what they would normally be capable of through minute coordination. Making the right decicions is important, but the efficiency and speed in which those decisions are executed is equally important, thus the idea behind a real time strategy game.

One of the most common moves in micromangagement is moving injured units from the front line, so they have time to regain health. Killing the right units with the right timing is also one of the cornerstones of micromangagement. In real-time strategy games, knowing when to do what and measuring danger is the key to victory. Speed, as well as making the proper decisions, marks the difference between a beginner (Noob) and a good player.

Many games have systems in which some units do extra damage to specific enemies or structures and take less damage from certain units. Gamers with good micromanagement skills usually take advantage of these natural strengths and weaknesses of units to command their units with the greatest effect.

Something that is generally considered good strategy is to order your units to focus attacks on only a few units, rather than an entire army. In many games wounded enemies can still fight and do as much damage as units with full health. As such killing a specific unit quickly decreases the total damage the enemy force is capable of doing and prevents that unit from being healed after the battle is over. It is also considered good strategy to focus attacks on units with special abilities, units that do above average damage or units that are a threat to important units or buildings.

The term Micromanagement usually refers to skills at Real Time strategy games. However, many Role Playing Games and First Person Shooters are developing more advanced hotkey layouts, allowing these genres to develop their own micromanagement skills.

Many games are viewed by gamers according to how advanced and intuitive the controls of the game are. Specifically with RTS games, the outlook on the control system usually depends on how the controls allow you to:

Quickly select specific units and quickly give them simple or advanced commands.
Quickly move around the map.
Gain early warnings of certain combat events, such as your base being attacked.
Prepare advanced combat maneuvers before a battle.
Edit orders quickly in response to changes in the battle.

Micromangement in popular culture

The highly popular internet-distributed mockumentary series Pure Pwnage is based off micromangement as a abillity gifted to the pro-gamers.

In Korea the real-time strategy game StarCraft is wildly popular and micromangement is one of the reasons why. The game is broadcasted in TV, showing off pro-gamers' micromangement skills.

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