Xbox has some of the biggest franchises in gaming. Master Chief is a household name even among non-Halo fans. Gears of War just broke a gaming trend and made history by releasing on PlayStation 5. Forza Horizon 5 has also joined these giants, but there is one series and one game within that series that players have overlooked. It may not be as flashy or marketed as these franchises, but it has quietly been building up into something bigger. With a long history, this title has grown into a staple within its genre, and more players than ever are checking it out.
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Last year, the Age of Empires franchise, originally published by Microsoft, surpassed a whopping 50 million players across all titles. This feat is even more astonishing considering the series’ age and genre. After all, real-time strategy games have never been mainstream, despite being somewhat ubiquitous in the PC space. But Age of Empires II has proven that breakouts can happen for any game, regardless of age or genre.
Age of Empires Is a 30-Year-Old Franchise That Refuses to Die
The originally series began in 1997 with the first Age of Empires, but Age of Empires II, which came out two years later in 1999, became the crown jewel of the franchise. Its launch came at a time when the real-time strategy genre was exploding, but even within this competition, it stood out among the rest. It offered an unmatchable tactical depth that gave it a leg up on its competitors. An intuitive interface, a diverse roster of civilizations, and the freedom to play how you wanted made it the premier strategy game.
Microsoft has since released Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, bringing the game to the modern age. Enhanced graphics, smoother controls, and new content have shown that it has stood the test of time. World’s Edge continues to update the game with balance patches, showing its commitment to the game and series. This support has kept the game alive and the community thriving.
Beyond this, the game continues to grow. An Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition tournament in 2024 set record highs, a shocking fact considering esports is always teetering on the edge, according to analysts and pundits, and that this series is not even the de facto head for Xbox; that belongs to Call of Duty now. Over 85,000 players tuned into the Age of Empires II grand finals, and this doesn’t even account for the other Age of Empires games featured in the tournament.
Why Age of Empires II Still Works Today
The secret to Age of Empires II’s staying power is balancing approachability with mastery. New players can easily jump in and start learning the game. The tutorial campaigns are designed to ease newcomers into the mechanics, and the AI is balanced for casual matches. In this way, players can experiment with the game as they refine their strategy skills
But those looking for a deeper challenge will discover an incredibly high skill ceiling. Competitive players have shown the depth of Age of Empires II. Build orders, resource gathering, and military strategies are just a part of what makes the game so endearing. Watching a high-level match is like watching a chess game unfold at high speed. Age of Empires II offers layered micro and macro gameplay that is tense and endlessly fascinating for those willing to master it.
Unlike many multiplayer games that burn out and fade, Age of Empires II is still thriving thanks to its casual and competitive appeal. It offers a flexibility that allows for quick matches or long play sessions. New players can easily start playing thanks to its widespread availability, including Game Pass, and enjoy cross-platform play with its large player base. Not many RTS games have made the jump to console, and those that release multi-plat ports don’t always succeed; it’s astonishing to see this franchise continue to grow.
Why You Should Play Age of Empires Today
There has never been a better time to start playing the series. While Age of Empires II is one of the most popular entries, any of the other games are also great starting points. As the games have grown, the communities have grown alongside them and are inclusive to new players, and the games also offer wonderful insight into real-life history. You can easily find matches or others willing to help you grow. The entry barrier is low, and the healthy player base provides ample opportunity to get better and better.
Whether you prefer classic graphics or modern visuals, the series offers something for every player. New mechanics make each game varied while retaining the core gameplay loop of Age of Empires. Balance, pacing, and design are all touchstones of the series, and Age of Empires II showcases these perfectly. The relatively recent remaster of the spin-off title, Age of Mythology, shows World Edge’s willingness to innovate and that there is a title for everyone.
The RTS genre may not dominate like battle royales and hero shooters, but it has a loyal following. Age of Empires’ community is among the most passionate and welcoming in the gaming industry. Stepping into it shows the joys of the series: strategic thinking, long-term planning, and the incredible rush when a carefully laid plan pays off.
It’s easy to overlook Age of Empires II and the RTS genre thanks to how popular other genres have become. There are no flashy mascots, and few strategy games get the push that shooters do. But those willing to try a new experience will discover why the series has remained alive for nearly 30 years and why it is growing stronger.
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