Age of Empires

The *Age of Empires* series is a collection of historical real-time strategy games created by Ensemble Studios and released under Xbox Game Studios. It has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. The games cover various historical eras, starting with the first title, which spans from the Stone Age to the Iron Age across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its expansion follows the rise of the Roman Empire. The second main game, *Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings*, takes place during the Middle Ages, and its expansion includes the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. *Age of Empires III* and its two expansions move to the early modern period, covering European colonization of the Americas and the decline of several Asian nations. *Age of Empires Online* is a free-to-play title using Games for Windows Live, set around Greek and Egyptian civilizations. A spin-off, *Age of Mythology*, shares the original game’s time frame but focuses on Greek, Egyptian, and Norse myths. The fourth main entry, *Age of Empires IV*, released on October 28, 2021, returns to the Middle Ages.

The first game, released on October 15, 1997, was Ensemble Studios’ debut and one of the earliest history-based real-time strategy titles, using the Genie engine. It offers 12 civilizations to develop from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. Its expansion, *The Rise of Rome*, added four new civilizations, including the Romans, and was published on October 31, 1998. Despite bugs, patches resolved many issues. Reception was mixed: GameSpot criticized its design, while *Computer and Video Games* praised its single and multiplayer modes. It won the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences’ 1998 “Computer Strategy Game of the Year” award and sold over three million units by 2000. *The Rise of Rome* sold one million units in 2000 and scored 80% on GameRankings. In June 2017, a Definitive Edition was announced, with 4K graphics, a remastered soundtrack, and gameplay improvements. It was released on February 20, 2018, on the Microsoft Store, and later came to Steam alongside Definitive Editions of *Age of Empires II* and *III*.

*Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings*, released September 30, 1999, also uses the Genie engine and is set from the Dark Ages to the Imperial Age, with 13 civilizations from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its expansion, *The Conquerors*, added five civilizations, including the Maya and Aztec, and was published on August 24, 2000. The game was a critical success, with GameRankings and Metacritic scores of 92%, and shipped over two million copies. It won the 2000 “Computer Strategy Game of the Year” award, and *The Conquerors* won the same award in 2001, though critics noted some balance issues. In April 2013, an HD Edition was released on Steam, including the original and *The Conquerors* with updated graphics. A fan-made mod, *The Forgotten*, became an official expansion in November 2013, adding campaigns, civilizations, and maps. Two more expansions followed: *The African Kingdoms* in November 2015 and *Rise of the Rajas* on December 19, 2016. On August 21, 2017, Microsoft announced *Age of Empires II* Definitive Edition.