Command and Conquer is considered to be among the definitive franchises of the real time strategy genre. From its origins in 1995 it boasts multiple sequels, spin-offs and a loyal fanbase that persists to this day. The series has also come to be known for many things over the years, including the recurring use of FMV cutscenes, military themes, campy presentation (in the case of the Red Alert games) and RTS conventions still used to this day. By January 2003 however, Westwood Studios, which had until then been responsible for the series had been closed down by EA. Several of its developers and staff went on to found indie company Petroglyph Games (Star Wars: Empire at War, Grey Goo, 8-Bit Armies) later that year. Other former employees meanwhile, particularly from Westwood’s LA branch, were brought under the then-newly reorganized EA Los Angeles. Thus the next entry in the franchise, which had already been in development following Red Alert 2: Yuri’s Revenge, would be finished and released under what was in effect new management.