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How It Works • Games & Tech

Age of Empires

Age of Empires is a historical real-time strategy video game franchise that began with the 1997 game of the same name.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Age of Empires is a historical real-time strategy video game franchise that began with the 1997 game of the same name. The series is known for managing civilizations through different historical eras.

What it is

Age of Empires is a series of historical real-time strategy games focused on building and managing civilizations across different periods of history. The franchise combines resource management, military strategy, and technological advancement.

Key details

The franchise began with the original Age of Empires in 1997, developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft (now Xbox Game Studios). The original game featured advancement through historical ages such as Stone, Tool, Bronze, and Iron. The series has expanded into multiple main entries and spin-offs, including Age of Empires II, III, IV, Age of Mythology, and Age of Empires Online.

Why it matters

Age of Empires is a landmark real-time strategy franchise that helped define the genre. It has a Canadian connection through Microsoft, which operates major business and game-publishing activities in Canada and publishes the franchise through Xbox Game Studios.

In short

  • Historical real-time strategy franchise launched in 1997.
  • Developed by Ensemble Studios, published by Microsoft/Xbox Game Studios.
  • Focuses on civilization management through historical eras.
  • Includes multiple main games and spin-offs.
Canadian angle

Age of Empires has a Canadian connection through Microsoft, which operates major business and game-publishing activities in Canada and publishes the franchise through Xbox Game Studios.

Quick questions

What is Age of Empires?
Age of Empires is a historical real-time strategy video game franchise that began in 1997.
Who developed and published Age of Empires?
The series was originally developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, later under Xbox Game Studios.
What kind of gameplay does Age of Empires use?
It uses real-time strategy gameplay built around resource gathering, civilization growth, and progression through historical eras.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires
    Supports: Franchise overview, original developer, publisher, and first release information.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires_(video_game)
    Supports: Details on the original 1997 game, gameplay, release date, and expansion.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires
    Supports: Main series entries and spin-offs.
  4. Age of Empires Series Wiki — https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_(series)
    Supports: Franchise structure, management, and number of titles.