Microsoft is trying to make a big splash in the real-time strategy genre, which will require a technological shift.
The Age of Empires series is making a comeback, and according to rumors, the next game is being developed with Unreal Engine technology. In the latest episode of The Xbox Two Podcast, host Jez Corden addressed a listener’s inquiry about the rumors surrounding the new Age of Empires game. He confirmed that, although details are limited, the next installment is being developed with Unreal Engine 5.
Corden explained that one of the biggest challenges during the development of Age of Empires IV was its technology. The game relied on the developer’s own engine, Essence, which reportedly struggled to adapt to the series’s expectations and long-term needs. Consequently, Microsoft and Relic Entertainment are reportedly shifting toward a more robust, scalable, Unreal Engine–based solution that will be highly customized for real-time strategy systems.
Corden clarified that he does not know which external studio will ultimately handle the entire development but noted that World’s Edge Studios is involved in the project at a fundamental level. World’s Edge Studios, which oversees the Age of Empires brand, is presumably building the basic framework for the project and will likely collaborate with another development team to complete the game. According to an insider, Age of Empires remains one of Microsoft‘s most valuable and strategically important intellectual properties. Although the real-time strategy genre no longer enjoys its former mainstream dominance, Microsoft has effectively cornered the RTS market, especially as Xbox continues to expand its PC presence.
Corden suggested that fans shouldn’t expect any concrete announcements anytime soon because he hasn’t heard much about the game’s location or timeframe. However, he believes the project is real and the final announcement, likely at a future Xbox Showcase, will revive the series. In his opinion, Age of Empires remains important to Microsoft.
Source: TwistedVoxel
