| Age of Empires Online | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Robot Entertainment Gas Powered Games |
| Publisher(s) | Microsoft Game Studios |
| Series | Age of Empires |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Massively multiplayer online real-time strategy game |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Age of Empires Online is a multiplayer online real-time strategy game developed by Robot Entertainment and Gas Powered Games that was released on August 16, 2011.[1] Based upon the gameplay of the Age of Empires series, it was originally developed by Robot Entertainment, but on February 24, 2011, Gas Powered Games, took over production. The game was published by Microsoft.[2]
The game was free-to-play—it was free for users to play, though premium content could be earned or purchased, such as access to special items and blueprints, and more quests and features.
On March 27, 2012, the game premiered on Steam after a major overhaul patch which addressed complaints of an "MMO-like grind" and many other features, along with the debut of the Celtic civilization. On June 15, 2012 the premium content system was changed to offer the option to purchase all past and future content through "Empire points" earned in game, or by purchasing the points directly with real world money.
As of January 3, 2013[update], Microsoft ceased further development on the game. A Microsoft representative later announced on the forums that on August 22, 2013, the Games for Windows – Live Marketplace would be shut down, leaving the game only accessible by current or former players.[3] In September 2013, it was announced that the game would remain functional until July 1, 2014 when the service would be shut down.[4] The closure was due to the content being too expensive to maintain.[5]
- ^ a b "Age of Empires Online Release Date". IGN. May 31, 2011. Archived from the original on August 26, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
- ^ "Microsoft Heralds a New Age of Gaming With "Age of Empires Online"". Microsoft website. August 16, 2010. Archived from the original on June 21, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
- ^ "Error". ageofempiresonline.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
- ^ "Age of Empires Online Shutdown Confirmed, Detailed". True Achievements. Archived from the original on August 18, 2017. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
- ^ Corriea, Alexa Ray (August 19, 2013). "Age of Empires Online's lack of new content drove revenue loss". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.