14 DAY TRIAL // Officially unveiled two years ago at Gamescom, Age of Empires IV received a new trailer and a handful of more details about the setting and the civilizations we'll be able to play in the upcoming title developed by Microsoft.
During Microsoft's X019 event in London, the Redmond-based company revealed that its studio led by Shannon Loftis, which will oversee everything related to the Age of Empires universe, is called World's Edge. The studio comprises of veteran game devs and is working alongside development partners to breathe new life into its previous titles with Definitive Editions like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, which was launched over the weekend.
On the stage at X019, Shannon Loftis revealed that Age of Empires IV is set in the medieval era. The trailer showcased unveils two civilizations that we'll be able to play with – the Mongols and the English, but that's about all we know about the game for the moment.
Unlike the previous titles, Age of Empires IV will make the transition of the series to modern 3D visuals, but it's unclear whether or not Microsoft plans to change the classic real-time strategy formula that made the series popular among players.
The good news is Age of Empires IV is in development at Relic Entertainment, the studio responsible for the Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War and Company of Heroes games, so we have high hopes for the upcoming medieval real-time strategy game as well.
Age of Empires IV won't be released this year, as the footage shown at the event confirms the game is pre-alpha, but believe it will make it to PC in 2020.
Those who can't wait for the game to release next year can get a taste of the series by downloading the recently released Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, which is available for free via Xbox Game Pass for PC or $20 via Steam.