Age of Empires II
News, coverage and analysis tracking Age of Empires II across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Age of Empires Studio Nearly Halved Amid Xbox Reset, Next Project Cancelled
The Age of Empires studio, World's Edge, has been significantly impacted by an Xbox reorganization, losing nearly half of its staff and its upcoming project. This move is part of a broader layoff scheme within Xbox.
Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lost "nearly half" of its staff during yesterday's Xbox cuts and move to Activision
The Age of Empires studio World's Edge has reportedly lost nearly half of its staff following an Xbox restructuring that moved the studio under Activision's control. Former creative director Adam Isgreen confirmed his own departure and that of many colleagues. This news comes amidst broader layoffs and studio consolidations within Xbox, though the article also notes the success of Star Wars Zero Company, which has sold over a million copies despite its development team facing furlough.
Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lose nearly half their staff and a new game project in mass Xbox layoffs
World's Edge, the studio managing the Age of Empires franchise, has reportedly lost nearly half its staff due to Microsoft's Xbox consolidation and layoffs. A new game project was also allegedly cancelled as part of these changes, which are part of a wider 'reset' of Microsoft's games business.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
Rare & World's Edge will now report to Activision following Xbox layoffs
Following recent Xbox layoffs, developers Rare and World's Edge will now report to Activision. This change impacts the studios behind franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires, with Activision also overseeing the next Halo game. The future for these studios appears uncertain amidst ongoing restructuring.
Call Of Duty creators Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox confirm layoffs
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, including the closure of Ninja Theory. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while 343 Industries will focus on supporting existing titles. This move comes amidst broader industry trends of layoffs and consolidation, with other studios like Rare and Bethesda also undergoing shifts in oversight.
Xbox lays off 268 more employees, merges Obsidian into Bethesda, and puts Activision in charge of Halo
Xbox has announced another round of layoffs, cutting 268 employees and reorganizing several studios. Activision will now oversee the development of the next Halo game, while Obsidian Entertainment is being merged into Bethesda. Other studios like Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are also being formally merged.
Xbox confirms layoffs of 268 across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios & more
Xbox has announced significant layoffs, impacting 268 positions across various first-party studios including Halo Studios and Xbox Game Studios. The company is also beginning consultations for the potential closure of Ninja Theory, developer of the Hellblade series. These changes are part of broader organizational restructuring that will see studios like Turn 10 and Playground Games merged.
Activision tar över Halo och Bethesda börjar bossa över Obsidian
Microsoft has announced a significant restructuring of its gaming division, including the closure of Ninja Theory and the merger of Playground Games with Turn 10 Studios. Activision will take over development of the Halo series, while Bethesda Softworks will oversee Obsidian Entertainment. This follows recent layoffs and studio departures within Xbox.
Xbox confirms 268 more layoffs, further studio closures, and Obsidian's shift to Bethesda as major restructuring continues
Xbox has confirmed 268 additional layoffs and further studio closures as part of its ongoing restructuring. This follows previous significant job cuts, with some studios facing proposed closure and others being reorganized under different leadership, including Bethesda overseeing Obsidian Entertainment.
Activision prepares to "make the greatest Halo game ever" as it takes control of the franchise from Halo…
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring of its first-party studios, transferring stewardship of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision Blizzard. Rare and World's Edge will also operate under Activision Blizzard, impacting franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires. This move involves substantial layoffs and a new team being assembled to develop the next Halo game, with a stated goal to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
Xbox announces a further 268 layoffs as Ninja Theory and Arkane remain on shaky ground
Xbox announced 268 additional layoffs, impacting studios like Halo Studios and XGS management, following a larger restructure initiated by CEO Asha Sharma. Ninja Theory faces potential closure as two acquisition agreements fell through, while Arkane Studios is still under consultation. This latest round of job cuts brings Xbox closer to its planned total of 3,200 redundancies.
Halo’s Next Game Is Coming From An Unexpected Developer: Activision
Microsoft has announced that Activision will develop the next Halo game, establishing a new team for the franchise while a smaller team at Halo Studios continues to support existing titles. This change coincides with significant layoffs impacting Halo Studios and other Xbox developers, as part of a broader reorganization under Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
Playing RTS with a controller? Total War: Warhammer 40,000 dev says it 'really does work' in their game:…
Creative Assembly, the developer behind Total War: Warhammer 40,000, believes it is a myth that Real-Time Strategy games cannot work well with controllers. Studio representative Dave Petry stated that the team has developed a control scheme that "really does work" for consoles, citing Halo Wars 2 as a successful example. The studio aims to make the RTS experience accessible to players who prefer using a gamepad.
Game of Thrones: War for Westeros isn't even out yet and it already feels ancient
Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, an upcoming RTS based on the HBO series, is criticized for feeling dated and ill-timed, especially with its 2027 release date following the show's conclusion in 2019. While competent, the game's Age of Empires-style mechanics fail to capture the epic scale of the source material, leading to a dry and predictable experience despite some factional asymmetry.
Roadmaps and Plans
Xbox Wire has published the second part of a discussion on the future of Age of Empires, detailing current plans and roadmaps. Additionally, a preview of Order of Kings Season 3 highlights new gameplay features and special unit types, while The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is also mentioned.
Vilka är det som jobbar med FZ?
This article introduces the staff behind the Swedish gaming website FZ, describing them as passionate gamers with diverse tastes and strong opinions. It highlights their backgrounds, favorite games, music, films, and books, aiming to connect them with the FZ community.
RTS games aren't dead yet - but nothing hits quite like Starcraft 2
Despite the rise of newer RTS titles and the enduring popularity of Starcraft 2, the genre's current state is questioned, with many modern games failing to match Starcraft 2's campaign quality. The article highlights Starcraft 2's exceptional mission design, narrative integration, and accessible free-to-play model as reasons for its continued relevance, while acknowledging the struggles of newer RTS projects like Stormgate and Battle Aces.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.