At the XO19 in London, UK, Creative director Adam Isgreen claimed, during an interview with PCGamesN, “The idea of microtransactions in a real-time strategy game isn’t a thing. DLC, expansions, all of that is things that we’re going to be exploring for Age 4.” While not giving Age of Empires 4 (AofE4) a solid release date, we were given our first solid look at its gameplay. The trailer did breathe some life into a series that has been quiet since 2005 with its third entry.
Isgreen did clarify that World’s Edge will the studio behind any DLCs for AofE4 as well as other titles in the series as Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition. The approach to updates and expansion for AofE4 will be much like that of AofE3 and will utilize a lot more community feedback for new civilizations and possible game modes. However, Relic is still the main studio behind AofE4.
While not openly confirmed, AofE4 will most likely be coming to Game Pass Ultimate for current and new subscribers adding to the ever expanding library of games available on the service. The game is naturally coming to Microsoft’s own Windows launcher, but a Steam release is a keen possibility.
The Age Insider Programme is available to anyone holding a valid Xbox Live account. the programme will offer a sneak peak of the Age of Empires series including a chance to play the beta version of AofE4. For those signed up for the programme the beta is available through both Steam and Windows.
Current details on the latest entry in this real-time strategy series are scarce with the trailers depicting familiar civilizations and gameplay we have come to expect. With the Definitive Edition for AofE2 out on the market, any details coming from Microsoft will either pertain to AofE4 or Xbox Scarlett, the new generation of consoles. Either way, it’s doubtful that the wait for an official release date and new gameplay footage will be far off.