Age of Empires 3 Set for Delisting and Service Shutdown

As of October 10, the original version of Age of Empires 3 has been removed from digital storefronts, with multiplayer services scheduled to end on October 30. Released in 2005, Age of Empires 3 is hailed as one of the most iconic real-time strategy games of the new millennium, leading to the launch of its Definitive Edition in October 2020.

This game was highly anticipated as the sequel to 1999's Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, launching on both PC and PlayStation 2. Within its first year, Age of Empires 3 sold over two million copies and garnered positive reviews from both critics and gamers. Set against the backdrop of European colonization in the Americas from the 1400s to the 1800s, players could choose from fourteen different civilizations to lead.

In subsequent years, two expansion packs were introduced: The WarChiefs in 2006 and The Asian Dynasties in 2007. The game’s multiplayer experience received particular praise, as it was the first in the series to be fully integrated into the main game interface. Despite the enduring fan base, this marks the end of an era for this beloved title.

On October 10, the original Age of Empires 3 was officially delisted from digital stores. According to a statement from the developers on Steam, the game's multiplayer functionality will cease on October 30 at 10 AM PT due to unsupported technology. However, players who own the game will still have access to campaign and skirmish modes. Meanwhile, the Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition remains available for purchase on Steam and the Windows Store.

Developed by Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires, the Definitive Edition was released in 2020 and boasts enhanced graphics, new game modes, additional civilizations, and an updated soundtrack. Subscribers to PC Game Pass can play this improved version at no additional cost.

Absence on Consoles

While both Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV are available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, Age of Empires 3 has yet to be released on any console. Fans have expressed disappointment over this, as the remastered edition seems ideal for modern consoles. With its 4K Ultra HD graphics, completely rebuilt 3D assets, redesigned user interface, and mod support, players are hopeful for a future console port.

Despite its somewhat niche status today, the RTS genre was immensely popular in the 2000s. Titles like Age of Empires 3, Halo Wars, and Rise of Nations have retained their appeal among gamers. Released in 2021, Age of Empires IV has reignited interest in the long-standing franchise, leaving fans eager to discover what lies ahead.