Why Age of Empires 3s Shutdown Could Have a Silver Lining

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As a dedicated fan who has spent countless hours navigating the vast expanse of the New World in Age of Empires 3, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as the sun sets on its original version. The game took us on an exciting journey through European colonization, a topic that remains as relevant and intriguing today as it was back then.

Ever since it was launched in 2005, Age of Empires 3 has stood out as a distinctive entry in the ongoing real-time strategy series. For close to two decades, this installment steered the franchise towards European colonization. However, it appears that this chapter is nearing its conclusion. The original version of Age of Empires 3 is being discontinued and shut down, marking the end of an epoch.

The announcement was made through an official post on Steam’s Age of Empire 3 page, revealing that the game will be shutting down because its technology is no longer being maintained. Since October 10th, it has been removed from digital marketplaces, and as of October 30th, multiplayer support will end. Fortunately, players who currently own the game can still enjoy the campaign mode, but losing the co-op features has left many fans disappointed. However, there may still be hope for Age of Empires 3 in the future.

Age of Empires 3 Could Still Find New Life With a Remake

Giving Age of Empires 3 a Fresh Coat of Paint

It’s not unprecedented that Age of Empires 3 receives an update. In fact, it underwent a facelift in 2020 with the release of Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. This update included additional content, enhanced graphics, and even two fresh civilizations. Yet, there’s potential for further development to bring out more of its untapped potential. The initial reception among fans was mixed, with concerns over the gameplay and the time period not being as engaging. Consequently, Age of Empires 3 has been a contentious addition to the series. However, instead of viewing this negatively, Microsoft could see it as an opportunity to revitalize the chapter with a remake.

Age of Empires 3: Definition Edition
will still remain available for purchase.

Although it’s known for being controversial, there are still many fans who adore the “Age of Empires 3” as their favorite installment in the series, even though not all the developers who worked on it share this sentiment. Bruce Shelley, founder of Ensemble Studios (the creators of the series), has expressed in previous interviews that they perhaps attempted to do too much, with the attempt to innovate the game’s formula potentially veering off course for some. The “Age of Empires” franchise is renowned for its distinctive entries that have cultivated their own dedicated fan bases, and a revamped version of “Age of Empires 3” could help restore the chapter’s reputation.

A Setting Filled With Potential

The time period depicted in Age of Empires 3 offers numerous opportunities to discover fascinating and troubling historical facts about our world. Delving into the European colonization of the Americas presents a multifaceted subject with many ethical dilemmas, making it an engaging backdrop for a more enlightening and refined rendition of the game.

Age of Empires 3
takes place between 1492 and 1876 AD.

Age of Empires 3 Still Lives On

While a complete overhaul or remake of “Age of Empires 3” might not happen, the fact that the Definitive Edition is still around remains beneficial for fans of the game. It has been four years since its release, and with Microsoft potentially considering the future of this franchise, a remake isn’t completely off the table.

The retirement of the 2005 classic game, Age of Empires 3, from online platforms brings a mix of joy and sadness. While the Definitive Edition offers an updated experience, there’s undeniable nostalgia in playing the game in its original form. Age of Empires played a significant role in shaping the real-time strategy genre, and revisiting some of its innovative yet experimental elements could be thrilling.

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2024-10-14 17:05