Age of Empires Archives

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Latest Xbox layoffs reportedly devastated Age of Empires developer and canceled its next game

World's Edge Studio, responsible for the Age of Empires franchise, underwent significant changes due to a recent restructuring within Xbox, resulting in nearly half of the studio's workforce being laid off, including former creative director Adam Isgreen. The reorganization led to the cancellation of their next project and a substantial reduction in staff. Isgreen expressed pride in the work accomplished during his tenure and highlighted the emotional toll of the layoffs. The situation raises concerns about Xbox's approach to its gaming divisions and reflects a broader pattern of restructuring within Microsoft.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

After Warcraft 3’s first new campaign in 23 years, let’s normalize releasing new DLC for ancient RTS games

The gaming landscape is experiencing renewed interest in older titles, as seen with expansions for classics like Songs of the Past for The Witcher 3. Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3 are expected to remain relevant for years, making them candidates for future downloadable content. Quake has added a new episode, and Nightdive is remastering Thief. At BlizzCon 2026, the Warcraft 3 Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom expansion was announced, highlighting nostalgia for RTS games. Microsoft has revitalized the Age of Empires series with updates, while newer titles like Age of Empires 4 have struggled. Relic's Dawn of War: Definitive Edition has sold 750,000 copies, indicating demand for remastered RTS games. The remaster of Command & Conquer and Red Alert in 2020 shows the potential for nostalgia-driven content. Expanding existing titles like Rise of Nations and Supreme Commander could be beneficial, and while reactions to new content may be mixed, the concept has promise. The RTS genre has an opportunity to leverage its history while innovating for the future.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Microsoft files patent for “ad-credit” system to show ads on PC and Xbox without disrupting gameplay

Microsoft has patented an "ad-credit" system to integrate advertisements into PC and Xbox gaming without interrupting gameplay. The patent, named 'Contextually Aware Management of Interactive Software Application Access', identifies natural pauses in gameplay to display ads, rewarding players with credits for uninterrupted playtime after viewing. In 2022, Microsoft began testing ad-supported game streaming on Xbox. Additionally, new monthly cloud gaming limits for Game Pass subscribers will take effect in November 2026, with Essential subscribers limited to five hours, Premium to ten hours, and Ultimate to fifteen hours per month. Xbox has also announced layoffs affecting 268 positions across various studios as part of restructuring efforts.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Playing RTS with a controller? Total War: Warhammer 40,000 dev says it ‘really does work’ in their game: ‘I think we’ve landed in a really solid spot’

Creative Assembly is set to release Total War: Warhammer 40,000 on consoles, challenging the belief that controller support is incompatible with real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay. Dave Petry, the battle product owner, stated that controllers are an accessibility tool that can enhance player engagement. The studio has prior experience with console RTS games, having co-developed Halo Wars 2, which successfully integrated controller support. Total War: Warhammer 40,000 will focus on real-time battles rather than traditional building and technology management, and Petry is optimistic about creating a satisfying experience for players using controllers.

AppWizard

August 27, 2026

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros isn’t even out yet and it already feels ancient

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros is an RTS game set to release in 2027, inspired by HBO's series. The game revisits the struggle for the Iron Throne, allowing players to command characters like Kit Harington's Jon Snow and listen to narration by Charles Dance. Gameplay involves constructing buildings, generating resources, training troops, and capturing territories, but it primarily features standard infantry units like spearmen and swordsmen. Only two factions, the Starks and Lannisters, are available in the preview, with the Starks able to deploy direwolves and the Lannisters focusing on economic strategies. The game lacks the excitement and complexity found in other RTS titles, feeling straightforward and uninspired, with gameplay that does not leverage the source material's strengths.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

The Best RTS (Real-Time Strategy) Games On PC For 2026

The Total War: Warhammer series is a notable real-time strategy (RTS) game that combines grand strategy with tactical warfare, recognized as the premier modern Warhammer RTS. It features formidable creatures, diverse factions, and unconventional classes, offering unique tactical challenges. Despite a rocky launch for Total War: Warhammer 3, the series has regained its reputation, particularly with the Immortal Empires campaign, which is considered one of the largest Total War campaigns ever. Stronghold: Definitive Edition remains a classic strategy game after nearly twenty-five years, retaining its original essence while introducing a new campaign. It is priced attractively, appealing to fans of the original game. Company of Heroes is regarded as the quintessential RTS title, setting the standard for the genre with its focus on combat mechanics and the introduction of a cover system. Company of Heroes 3, while not fully meeting expectations, is still a competent entry in the series. Age of Empires IV is a newer RTS game that offers engaging campaigns and distinct faction identities, providing a varied gameplay experience. It is priced at twenty dollars during sales, making it a worthwhile investment for single-player enjoyment.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

5 Best PC Games Of The ’90s, Ranked

"Doom II" has received a new official level nearly three decades after its initial release. "Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings," released in 1999, features 13 distinct civilizations and has seen numerous expansions that enhance multiplayer modes. "Grim Fandango," released in 1998, is celebrated for its distinctive art design and captivating narrative, despite initial commercial struggles. "Half-Life," released in 1998, introduced a seamless gameplay experience and a compelling narrative, establishing itself as a classic in the first-person shooter genre. "StarCraft," released in 1998, allows players to choose from three unique factions and is known for its balanced gameplay and robust online multiplayer experience.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

New official 30th anniversary Quake mission pack adds new maps and mechanics

Players can experience a new campaign in Quake where they assume the role of a Ranger in a dimension with a unique time-looping structure. They will collect runes to unlock new pathways and upgrades, enhancing gameplay for both new and veteran players. The newly added maps are available for free to existing owners of Quake on Steam and current and last-generation consoles. Meanwhile, id Software has experienced layoffs due to Microsoft’s reorganization, but most of the studio is focused on the Doom reboot series, while MachineGames is developing new content for Quake. Classic games like Quake are receiving new content years after their release, similar to the revival of Age of Empires II.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

RTS IS BACK! The Best Upcoming Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Games of 2026-2027

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre, which thrived in the late 90s and early 2000s, experienced a decline from the late 2000s until around 2015 but is expected to make a comeback in 2026 and 2027. Anticipated titles include Stronghold 4, ZeroSpace, D.O.R.F., Dawn of War IV, and Total War: Warhammer 40,000. Bergfried, developed by Quid Pro Games, is a medieval strategy game that combines castle-building mechanics, town management, and real-time combat, with a unique grid reflecting European castle shapes. Panzer Strike, by ISAK Team, aims to recapture the essence of late 90s RTS games and is set for release in Q3 2026. Falling Frontier, a procedurally generated space RTS, is highly wishlisted on Steam and promises detailed ship combat. Chronicles: Medieval, releasing in 2026, offers a sandbox strategy experience during the Hundred Years’ War, blending free-roaming gameplay with large-scale battles. Dinolords, developed by Northplay, features a medieval world with armored dinosaurs and allows players to control dinosaur-riding Lords, presenting a unique twist on traditional RTS gameplay.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

5 Classic PC Games That Are Unplayable Today

"Dune II," released in 1992, is credited with laying the foundation for real-time strategy games, featuring base-building and military maneuvers on the planet Arrakis. It has not been re-released due to licensing issues after Westwood Studios closed in 2003. Interplay Entertainment released two video games based on "The Lord of the Rings" in the early '90s, allowing players to guide Frodo Baggins through Middle-earth. Low sales led to the cancellation of a planned trilogy, and both titles have since faded into obscurity. "Star Trek: The Next Generation — A Final Unity," a point-and-click adventure from 1995, features Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew on a mission to recover an ancient scroll. It has not received a modern re-release. Sid Meier's "Civilization II," released in 1996, has not been officially re-released, despite the series' significant evolution and availability of later entries. The absence of these formative titles leaves a gap in strategy gaming history. "Black & White," released in 2001, is a god simulator that allows players to influence tribes on islands. It has not been optimized for modern platforms following the acquisition of Lionhead Studios by Microsoft, limiting access to those with original discs.