“When Valve pushes into a new genre, it makes a mark”

Sorry, Half-Life fans, Valve’s next game is not Episode 3. Still, Artifact is no less exciting. When Valve pushes into a new genre, it makes a mark— whether that’s reinventing the shooter, puzzle game, or the concept of shopping. Artifact reinvents what it means to be a digital card game. This issue celebrates reinvention. In the second half of our History of Strategy feature, we explore how turn-based tactics revitalized the genre, and celebrate the 20th birthday of Thief. Enjoy!