Populous (video game)

Populous is a real-time strategy simulation game developed by Peter Molyneux where players act as deities, guiding and influencing groups of followers called "populace." The goal is to expand your divine influence across the map by building and destroying terrain, affecting the environment, and defeating rival deities. Players use divine powers such as earthquake or flooding to shape the world and challenge opponents. The game emphasizes strategic manipulation of the environment and managing followers' growth, blending resource management with tactical control. Released in 1989, Populous is considered a pioneer in the god-game genre, combining strategy, mythology, and player agency.