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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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Age of Empires is a historical real-time strategy video game franchise that began with the 1997 game of the same name. The series was originally developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, later Xbox Game Studios. It is known for gameplay built around managing civilizations through different historical eras.

Overview

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 is known for combining resource management, military strategy, and technological advancement.

History

The series began with Age of Empires in 1997, which was the first major release from Ensemble Studios. The first game was developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft. Later entries expanded the franchise into new historical settings and time periods.

Gameplay

The original game placed players in control of an ancient civilization and required them to gather resources, build structures, and progress through eras. Advancing through ages unlocked stronger units, buildings, and technologies.

Series entries

The franchise includes multiple main games, including Age of Empires II, Age of Empires III, and Age of Empires IV, as well as related spin-offs such as Age of Mythology and Age of Empires Online.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with the original Age of Empires in 1997.
  • It is a historical real-time strategy series centered on the development of civilizations.
  • The first game was developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft.
  • The series has expanded into multiple main entries and spin-offs.
  • The original game featured advancement through historical ages such as Stone, Tool, Bronze, and Iron.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is Age of Empires?
Age of Empires is a historical real-time strategy video game franchise that began in 1997.
Who developed Age of Empires?
The series was originally developed by Ensemble Studios.
Who published Age of Empires?
The franchise was originally published by Microsoft, later under Xbox Game Studios.
When was the first Age of Empires released?
The first game in the series was released in 1997.
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.

References

  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.