Age of Empires II
News, coverage and analysis tracking Age of Empires II across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Vote now: The Mammoth Tank and Priest go head-to-head to determine the best RTS unit of all time
A month-long Real-Time Strategy (RTS) tournament has narrowed down its contenders to the Mammoth Tank from Command & Conquer: Red Alert and the Priest from Age of Empires. The article details the final matchup and encourages readers to vote for the best RTS unit of all time.
Dawn of War 4 clearly loves the Warhammer 40K strategy games that came before, but it misses that they loved to reinvent themselves
Dawn of War 4, developed by King Art Games, is a competent but unexciting Real-Time Strategy game that feels dated due to its reverence for the original 2004 title. While it offers unit customization and improved visuals, it struggles with managing large armies and making meaningful tactical choices, a weakness inherited from its predecessor. The Adeptus Mechanicus campaign shows more promise with tactical unit specialization, but ultimately succumbs to the same 'bolter-blob' strategy that plagues the Ork campaign.
Semifinals: The brutal war to determine the best RTS unit of all time needs your votes
This article discusses the semifinals of a reader-voted competition to determine the greatest Real-Time Strategy (RTS) unit of all time. It highlights the matchups between iconic units like the Mammoth Tank from Command & Conquer: Red Alert and the Pride of Hiigara from Homeworld 2, as well as the Executor Super Star Destroyer from Star Wars: Empire at War against the Priest from Age of Empires. The author expresses personal disappointment over some unit eliminations while encouraging readers to cast their votes.
Legendary composer Frank Klepacki says the RTS genre isn't dead, but he would like to see devs get a little more…
Composer Frank Klepacki argues that the real-time strategy genre is not dead, but rather has seen its popularity ebb and flow like other genres. He believes a lack of risk-taking by big-budget developers has contributed to the genre's diminished presence, though many traditional RTS games and their successors continue to be released and played.
Quarterfinals: Vote for the best RTS unit of all time
PC Gamer is running a reader poll to determine the greatest Real-Time Strategy (RTS) unit of all time, with the quarterfinals featuring matchups like Peon vs. Mammoth Tank and Dolphin vs. Priest. The article highlights the unique abilities and lore of each unit, encouraging readers to vote based on various criteria.
March of Giants goes back to MOBA's roots, and its giant-filled, alt-WW1 world doesn't feel out of time
Ubisoft Montreal's upcoming free-to-play MOBA/RTS hybrid, March of Giants, impresses with its blend of classic real-time strategy elements and modern MOBA conventions. Set in an alternate World War I, the game features unique giants and a strong emphasis on troop management, offering a fresh take on the genre that aims to be accessible to newcomers while providing depth for veterans.
The greatest RTS units of all time, determined by democracy
PC Gamer is running a reader-voted tournament to determine the greatest real-time strategy (RTS) units of all time. The article details several matchups, featuring iconic units from games like Warcraft 3, Age of Empires 2, and Star Wars: Empire at War, with writers providing commentary on each unit's strengths and appeal.
"Xbox is not for sale," says CEO despite rumors: "We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has firmly stated that the company is not for sale, despite ongoing rumors fueled by recent layoffs and studio closures. Sharma emphasized a commitment to partnerships and operating models to ensure Xbox's success and profitability within Microsoft, acknowledging a long road ahead.
Latest Xbox layoffs reportedly devastated Age of Empires developer and canceled its next game
Xbox's recent "reset" significantly impacted World's Edge Studio, the developer of the Age of Empires series, with nearly half the studio laid off, including former creative director Adam Isgreen. A new project was canceled, and a large portion of the studio was let go, according to former employees. This news comes as the studio now answers to Activision, alongside Sea of Thieves developer Rare.
After Warcraft 3's first new campaign in 23 years, let's normalize releasing new DLC for ancient RTS games
The article argues that releasing new DLC for older real-time strategy (RTS) games is a sensible trend, citing examples like Warcraft 3: Reforged's new campaign and Age of Empires updates. This approach capitalizes on the longevity of classic titles and the genre's stagnant state, offering a profitable way to leverage nostalgia and satisfy fans.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma called out for "Kojima-maxxing" just before latest layoffs, former Age of Empires studio…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is facing criticism following recent layoffs, particularly after a publicized trip to Japan to visit Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions. Former World's Edge studio head Shannon Loftis called out Sharma's "Kojima-maxxing" trip and "clarity is kindness" philosophy in light of the job cuts, suggesting leadership is out of touch with employees' struggles. The article highlights the perceived disconnect between leadership's actions and the ongoing restructuring and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
Xbox’s “Aggressive” Revenue Goals Were “Unrealistic” Even Before Layoffs, Says id Software Dev
An id Software developer revealed that Xbox's aggressive revenue goals are considered unrealistic and contributing to ongoing chaos and layoffs within the company. Despite attempts at communication, management's vision is perceived as lacking, with a strong focus on immediate profit increases. This sentiment is shared across studios, with morale sinking due to perceived incompetence.
MMO Business Roundup: New VR glasses, Microsoft kills a game, and controllers that can read credit cards
Microsoft's recent layoffs may have led to the cancellation of a new Age of Empires game, with the studio World's Edge reportedly working on an unconfirmed project before its closure. Facebook unveiled new VR glasses focused on general use, capable of playing Meta Quest games and connecting to consoles. Sony patented a controller design that can read NFC information, potentially for payment processing or data transfer.
"It genuinely breaks my heart"- Confusion and frustration reign as gaming communities react to Xbox's drastic restructuring this week
Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring this week, leading to widespread layoffs and the impending closure of Ninja Theory. Studios like Obsidian Entertainment, Rare, and World's Edge have been re-assigned to different publishing arms within Xbox's ecosystem, causing confusion and frustration among players and developers regarding future game development and monetization strategies.
Microsoft Culled Age of Empires Studio Before Handing It Over to Activision, With Nearly Half of All Staff Gone
Microsoft's Age of Empires studio, World's Edge, has lost nearly half of its staff due to recent layoffs. This occurred before the studio was reportedly handed over to Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft files patent for "ad-credit" system to show ads on PC and Xbox without disrupting gameplay
Microsoft has filed a patent for an "ad-credit" system that would display advertisements during PC and Xbox gameplay by pausing the game during natural breaks like loading screens. Players would earn credits for ad-free playtime after viewing ads. This follows earlier reports of Xbox considering ads for cloud gaming and recent tests of ad-supported streaming sessions.
RTS legend laid off after 16 years at Microsoft as Xbox guts Age of Empires studio World's Edge: "We had some…
Microsoft's ongoing "reset" has led to significant layoffs at the Age of Empires studio World's Edge, with studio creative director Adam Isgreen confirming that "just under half the studio was let go." Isgreen, who spent 16 years at Microsoft working on various titles including Age of Empires 4, expressed disappointment about the unfulfilled plans for the franchise's future. This follows a broader trend of job cuts across Xbox and the integration of some Xbox studios under Activision Blizzard.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Age of Empires developer World's Edge hit with layoffs following move to Activision
The Age of Empires developer World's Edge has been significantly impacted by layoffs following its transition to Activision, with "just under half" of its employees affected. Former creative director Adam Isgreen was among those let go, expressing disappointment about the outcome of his 16-year tenure. This restructuring also saw 268 positions eliminated across various Xbox studios, leading to the closure of Ninja Theory and the independence of Undead Labs.
