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Micromanagement (computer gaming)
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 be found for some popular real-time strategy games, such as StarCraft, that count the number of commands a player gives within a set period of time; this can be used by players to track their progress in learning greater micromanagement skill. The most skilled micromanagers give hundreds of commands per minute of play over protracted periods of time.
Micromanagement is contrasted with macromanagement.
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