Age of Empires III

Age of Empires III is a real-time strategy game from Ensemble Studios and Microsoft Game Studios. It arrived on PC in North America on October 18, 2005, and in Europe on November 4, 2005. MacSoft handled the Mac version, which came out in North America on November 21, 2006, and in Europe on September 29, 2006. A version for the N-Gage mobile platform, developed by Glu Mobile, followed on April 28, 2009. This title is the third in the *Age of Empires* series, succeeding *Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings*. A remastered edition, *Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition*, launched on October 15, 2020. Its direct sequel, *Age of Empires IV*, came out for Windows on October 28, 2021. The game covers the European colonization of the Americas, roughly from 1492 to 1876 AD, and features fourteen playable civilizations. A key innovation is the "Home City," which blends real-time strategy with role-playing elements. Two expansion packs were released: *The WarChiefs* on October 17, 2006, adding three Native American civilizations, and *The Asian Dynasties* on October 23, 2007, adding three Asian civilizations. By May 2008, *Age of Empires III* had sold over two million copies. It earned favorable reviews and awards, including GameSpy's "Best RTS game of 2005," and was among the best-selling games of that year. In 2007, it ranked as the seventh best-selling computer game, with over 313,000 copies sold. The original, unexpanded version was delisted on October 30, 2024, and its multiplayer servers were shut down due to outdated technology. Players start with a town center (or a wagon that builds one), an armed explorer, and a few villagers. They explore the map and gather resources to build units, structures, and research upgrades. Actions like training units, constructing buildings, or defeating enemies earn experience points. Reaching certain experience thresholds grants shipments from the player's Home City, which can provide units, upgrades, or resources. The game proceeds like most real-time strategy titles until one side concedes. Players advance through technological "Ages" representing historical periods, unlocking better improvements, units, and buildings.