How Age of Empires Shaped Real-Time Strategy Games

Imagine going back in time, not just to ace your history exams, but to command vast armies, build sprawling empires, and decide the fate of entire civilizations. That’s the rollercoaster Age of Empires has been offering since the 1990s. If conquering the digital world while munching on snacks sounds like your kind of adventure, then you’ve likely crossed paths with this legendary game franchise. Age of Empires didn’t just redefine the real-time strategy genre; it set the gold standard for how historical gaming could be educational, challenging, and ridiculously fun. Whether you were forging alliances in Age of Empires 2, discovering new lands in Age of Empires 3, or going digital with Age of Empires Online, each title in the series has been a battleground where wits and quick decisions shape history.

In this journey through time, we’ll explore how Age of Empires didn’t just capture the essence of real-time strategy but how it evolved with Age of Empires 4, bringing together armies of loyal fans and newcomers alike. We’ll delve into the main series titles—including Age of Empires 1, 2, 3, and 4—the expansion packs that added new layers of strategy, and even the spin-off titles that took us on different but equally thrilling adventures. By charting the graphics and visual evolution alongside game-changing gameplay mechanics, we’ll see how Age of Empires became more than just a game; it became a cultural phenomenon. Prepare to revisit the multiplayer battles that kept us glued to our screens and the online community that turned competitors into comrades. Step into this saga of conquest and creativity, where every strategy, every alliance, and every epic battle tells a story of its own.

Origins and Development

Early Inspirations

The inception of the Age of Empires was sparked by Tony Goodman, the co-founder of Ensemble Corporation, who was inspired by the release of Microsoft’s WinG, a DirectX predecessor, in 1994. A lifelong board game enthusiast, Goodman saw an opportunity to venture into game development as a side project. The concept for the game began to take shape when Goodman collaborated with his brother Rick and their friend Bruce Shelley, who had previous success with Sid Meier’s Civilization and Railroad Tycoon. The trio, along with programmer Tim Deen, drew inspiration from Blizzard’s Warcraft and Westwood’s Command & Conquer, leading to the idea of creating a real-time strategy game with a historical setting, which stood out from the fantasy and science fiction themes prevalent in other games at the time.

Initial Development and Challenges

The development of the Age of Empires, initially titled Dawn of Man, began with a simple prototype featuring basic elements such as a tree, grass, a town centre, and a lone animated caveman. This early version was crucial in establishing the game’s fundamental mechanics, where the caveman could chop wood and hunt deer, introducing players to the resource management aspects of the game. The game’s design was led by Rick Goodman, with significant input from Bruce Shelley and Brian Sullivan, another childhood friend. The game’s development faced numerous challenges, including the need for extensive research on historical events, which the team sourced primarily from children’s sections in libraries, aiming to keep the game fun and accessible. Bruce Shelley emphasized that the goal was to appeal to casual and hardcore gamers, focusing on the human experience rather than historical accuracy.

Release and Reception

Age of Empires was officially announced in June 1996 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo and released in 1997. The game was developed by Ensemble Studios, with Bruce Shelley overseeing the design, Tony Goodman in charge of artwork, and Dave Pottinger handling the game’s artificial intelligence. The music, composed by Stephen Rippy with help from his brother David, featured sounds from actual instruments used during the historical periods represented in the game. The coding and graphics optimization were led by Angelo Laudon and Matt Pritchard, respectively, and the game was programmed in x86 32-bit assembly code to enhance performance and loading speeds. The historical setting and attention to cultural details were well-received by players and critics alike, distinguishing Age of Empires from other real-time strategy games and contributing to its success as a standout title in the genre.

Main Series Titles

Age of Empires

Launched on October 15, 1997, Age of Empires began a series that would become synonymous with real-time strategy gaming. Developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, this first instalment set players on a historical odyssey from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, offering a choice of 12 civilizations to lead and expand. It was one of the pioneering games in history-based strategy, likened to a blend of Civilization and Warcraft. The game’s expansion, The Rise of Rome, released in 1998, introduced new features and four additional civilizations, including the Romans, enhancing gameplay and strategic depth.

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

Following the original’s success, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings hit the shelves on September 30, 1999. Utilizing the same Genie game engine as its predecessor, this sequel transported players to the Middle Ages, offering 13 civilizations from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to control and expand. The game was celebrated for its enriched storyline and deeper gameplay mechanics, setting a new benchmark for the series.

Age of Empires III

Released on October 18, 2005, Age of Empires III introduced significant enhancements, including the advanced Havok physics engine and improved graphics, thanks to an updated version of the Age of Mythology game engine. This iteration focused on the European exploration and colonization of the Americas from the early colonial period to the Industrial Age. It allowed players to command one of eight European powers. 

Age of Empires IV

The most recent addition to the series, Age of Empires IV, developed by Relic Entertainment and released on October 28, 2021, revisits the medieval period with a modern twist. It features eight initial civilizations, with game mechanics and historical narratives that echo the beloved Age of Empires II. Notably, the game introduced new gameplay elements like asymmetric civilization design, unit abilities, and the concept of “Landmark” buildings for age advancement. This title pays homage to its predecessors and pushes the envelope regarding strategic depth and visual storytelling.

Each title in the Age of Empires series advanced the genre of real-time strategy games and offered players a window into the complexities of historical warfare and civilization management, making history accessible and entertaining.

Expansion Packs

The Rise of Rome

In Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome, affectionately known as RoR, you dive into the Roman Empire’s ascent era. This expansion introduces you to four new civilizations: the Romans, Palmyrans, Macedonians, and Carthaginians, each with unique bonuses and military units. Imagine commanding Carthaginian war elephants or Macedonian siege units! There are also new technologies to discover, such as logistics, which halves the population count for units created at the barracks, and Tower Shield, which reduces missile damage. Not to forget, the new architectural design shared by these civilizations adds a fresh visual flair to your empire-building adventures.

The Conquerors

Age of Empires II: The Conquerors expansion, orAoC, takes you on a journey with five new civilizations and introduces 11 units and 26 new technologies. Ever wanted to walk across ice or herd turkeys on a winter map? Now you can. This expansion also spices up gameplay with features like automatic farm replanting and smart villagers who gather resources more intelligently. Command the fearsome Huns under Attila or defend against invaders such as Montezuma with the Aztecs, each offering unique challenges and strategies. The new game modes like “King of the Hill” and “Wonder Race” add quirky twists to your conquests.

The Asian Dynasties

Step into the diverse landscapes of Asia in Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties. This expansion introduces three new civilizations: the Chinese, Indians, and Japanese, each with unique campaigns and military units. The Chinese campaign, for instance, revolves around the hypothesis of a Chinese treasure ship discovering the New World before Columbus. You can also lead the Indians during the 1857 Rebellion, a pivotal moment in their history. Unique to this expansion is the reintroduction of Wonders as a method for advancing ages, adding a strategic layer to your empire expansion. Also, prepare to gather Water Treasures with your naval units, a new feature that adds a splash of strategy to naval encounters.

Each of these expansions not only broadens the historical canvas of the game but also introduces new gameplay mechanics, making your strategy more dynamic and engaging. Whether you’re building Wonders in Asia or commanding Roman legions, these expansions ensure that the saga of your empire is as epic as the civilizations you lead.

Spin-off Titles

Age of Mythology

Age of Mythology is a fascinating departure from the standard historical settings of the Age of Empires series, diving into the mythical realms of the Greeks, Egyptians, and Norse. Released on November 1, 2002, the game was a commercial hit, achieving platinum status by selling over one million units within four months. The game’s rich narrative and integration of mythical elements with traditional RTS mechanics were well-received, although some critics found the campaign’s story a bit lengthy.

Players engage with gods and mythical creatures in this spin-off, adding a fantastical layer to the strategic gameplay. The game was praised for its graphics and soundtrack, though some noted the music could be repetitive. The AI used in the game was even studied for its emotional impact in RTS games, highlighting its sophistication.

Age of Empires Online

Taking a more vibrant approach, Age of Empires Online introduced cartoon-style graphics and elements typical of MMORPGs into the RTS genre. Launched with features that allowed for a complex yet engaging gameplay experience, the game was noted for its generosity in free-to-play content, which was unusual for games of its type at the time. Players could build and manage cities, undertake quests, and engage in battles, maintaining the core RTS mechanics while introducing new layers of strategy through MMORPG elements.

Despite its initial appeal, the game faced challenges in balancing the free and premium content, especially in PvP scenarios, where players with access to premium features could potentially have a significant advantage. The game also offered a variety of ways to enhance gameplay through in-game purchases, such as booster packs and premium features, which included additional civilizations and special items.

Age of Empires: Castle Siege

Age of Empires: Castle Siege combined tower defence elements and MMO strategies, offering a unique twist within its impact. Launched in 2014 for Windows and later for iOS and Android, the game allowed players to build and manage a castle, train troops, and engage in PvE and PvP battles. Players could choose from six civilizations, each with unique units and special heroes, enhancing the game’s strategic depth.

The game featured a variety of resources and unit types, allowing for diverse combat strategies and castle upgrades. Despite its engaging gameplay, the game was discontinued in 2019, leaving a community of players to reminisce about their sieges and battles. This closure sparked discussions and shared memories within the game’s community, highlighting its impact on its players.

Each of these spin-offs explored different facets of the Age of Empires legacy, from mythical storytelling to integrating MMO features, broadening the appeal and complexity of the franchise.

Graphics and Visual Evolution

Original Graphics

The graphics were basic in the early stages of the Age of Empires, but colours and lighting were effectively used to distinguish essential game elements. Bruce Shelley, the series creator, emphasized using vibrant colours to make the game visually appealing despite its simplicity. The graphics in the early stages of the Age of Empires approach not only made the game accessible but also set a visual standard that was considered the best among 2D real-time strategy games of that time.

HD Editions and Remastering

The journey from original graphics to high-definition (HD) remastering marked a significant evolution in the visual quality of the Age of Empires. The HD Edition, released in 2013, was initially a port of the CD version but included enhanced fire effects for damaged buildings and higher resolution support. This version was followed by the Definitive Edition (DE), which not only included all content from the HD Edition and its expansions but also introduced new civilizations, campaigns, and substantial quality-of-life improvements like auto-reseedable farms and a global queue for training and researching. The graphical overhaul in DE offered a much sharper and more detailed visual experience, making it look significantly better than the original and HD versions.

Technological Technological advancements

Technological advancements have greatly influenced the graphical development of the Age of Empires series. Age of Empires III, for instance, was praised for its graphics, which included automatically generated paths and roads, a fire mechanic for wood-building destruction, and enhanced unit combat and movement on walls. The latest in the series, Age of Empires IV, introduced new rendering technologies, improved illumination, and terrain level of detail, elevating the visual presentation to what one would expect from a modern 4K game. The addition of ambient occlusion made environments feel more alive, and the new texture projection brought out previously blurred details, showcasing a significant leap in graphical fidelity.

Gameplay Mechanics

Resource Management

In the Age of Empires world of Empires, managing resources isn’t just about gathering; it’s about strategising for survival, just like our caveman ancestors did with their simple yet effective tactics. Each resource in the game, be it wood, food, gold, or stone, plays a pivotal role in your civilisation’s progress. For instance, wood is crucial for building structures and creating farms and fishing boats, which are essential for food production. Meanwhile, gold can be gleaned from trading or relics and is vital for advancing through the ages and recruiting powerful units. The game ingeniously simulates a bustling economy where you must decide whether to invest in military might or economic advancements, echoing the real-world economic principle that investing resources is often better than saving them.

Building and Units

Imagine you’re a ruler in the Age of Empires universe. Your empire’s strength and sustainability depend on the buildings you construct and the units you train. Buildings in the game are categorised based on their economic, military, and defensive functions. Economic buildings are the lifeline of your civilisation, crucial for advancing your technological capabilities and economic power. Military buildings, conversely, are your ticket to expanding your empire’s borders, training units specifically designed for combat. Defensive structures, built with sturdier materials like stone, protect your civilisation from enemy attacks, making them a rare but vital resource. This segmentation not only adds depth to gameplay but also mirrors the complex societal structures of ancient civilisations, where every building had a purpose and contributed to the empire’s overarching strategy.

Military Strategies

Military strategies in the Age of Empires reflect the evolution of warfare through the ages, from primitive tactics to sophisticated battle plans. The game challenges you to think like a historical general, employing strategies that range from brute force to psychological warfare. For instance, positioning your troops and choosing the right battle formations can turn the tide in your favour, much like the ancient phalanx or testudo formations. Moreover, the game incorporates morale and terrain, factors that play a minor but crucial role in real-time strategy battles, reflecting the true complexity of historical military engagements. Whether orchestrating a siege or defending your empire, Age of Empires offers a playground where historical tactics and modern strategy collide, allowing you to test your mettle as a commander across the sands of time.

Multiplayer and Online Community

Early Multiplayer Features

In the early days of the Age of Empires, multiplayer gameplay was a novel concept that allowed up to 8 players to join in epic historical battles simultaneously. This feature was supported by Microsoft Gaming Zone until June 19, 2006, when it ceased support for most CD-ROM games, including Age of Empires and Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings. However, the multiplayer community didn’t fade away; instead, it found new homes on platforms like GameRanger, Voobly, Garena, CGA, and QQ BattleZone, ensuring that the thrill of the game lived on.

Current Online Platforms

Today, Age of Empires enthusiasts have several options for online play. For serious strategists, Voobly is a popular choice, especially for those looking to engage with skilled players in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors. Steam also offers a vibrant platform for players of Age of Empires II HD, including new expansions like African Kingdoms and Rise of the Rajas, drawing a new crowd and even some old fans who enjoy the game “for fun”. The Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has revitalized the community with modern features and is actively supported by Microsoft, boasting a large player base and hosting tournaments with significant viewership and prize money. Whether a newbie or a seasoned player, these platforms provide a space to challenge others and hone your strategic skills.

Community Contributions

The Age of Empires community isn’t just about playing; it’s about improving and evolving the game. Players can access private forums through exclusive insider programs to interact directly with the developers. This insider access includes opportunities to join beta tests, providing feedback that directly influences game improvements and future releases. Moreover, the community’s engagement extends to creating and sharing content, such as recorded games, allowing players to analyze strategies and relive epic battles, thereby contributing to a richer, more involved gaming experience.

By nurturing a robust online community and continually adapting to technological advancements, the Age of Empires remains a cornerstone in the landscape of real-time strategy games, inviting players to witness and shape the history of gaming.

Cultural Impact

Commercial Success

Age of Empires has captivated gamers with its engaging gameplay and achieved remarkable commercial success. By 2008, five of its games had sold over one million copies. The original game was launched to critical acclaim, quickly becoming a top seller in multiple countries and contributing to the franchise’s impressive sales of over 15 million copies by 2004. The series continued to thrive with Age of Empires III, which sold two million copies, highlighting its enduring popularity.

Influence on Other Games

The influence of the Age of Empires on the real-time strategy (RTS) genre is undeniable. It has inspired various games, such as Rise of Nations, Empire Earth, and Cossacks, each borrowing elements from its successful formula. Notably, Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds directly utilised the Genie game engine from the Age of Empires, showcasing the technical and conceptual impact of the series on subsequent games.

Educational Use

Beyond entertainment, the Age of Empires has been recognised for its educational potential. The game introduces players to significant historical epochs and developments, from the Dark Age to the Imperial Age, making it a valuable tool in learning historical timelines and technological advancements. Schools have even incorporated the game into classrooms, utilising it to enhance student engagement with history through interactive learning. Studies have shown that while the game’s simplification of history is noted, it effectively engages students, helping those who might struggle in traditional learning environments. This blend of education and entertainment underscores the game’s cultural impact, bridging the gap between learning and playing.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey through the realms of Age of Empires, we’ve navigated the epic saga of digital civilization evolution, from the Stone Age hustle to the audacious skirmishes of the Middle Ages. Imagine, with a click and a clack, commanding legions or building empires while munching on snacks; this article has walked you through it all, emphasizing how AOE didn’t just change game screens but sparked brains, striking a blend of fun, facts, and fierce battles that have glued players to their seats for decades.

Now, as we pack up our time-travel gear and make our way back to the present, remember the essence of Age of Empires: strategy, history, and the quirky fun of turning the tide of battles with a well-timed elephant charge or a sneaky cavalry flank. It’s more than just a game; it’s a bridge between generations, connecting fans old and new in the endless dance of conquest and creativity. So, as you shut down your computer screens or step away from your consoles, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of a game series as educational as it is entertaining, forever etched in the annals of gaming history.

In exploring the rich tapestry of Age of Empires and its significant impact on the real-time strategy genre, one interesting facet often overlooked is the profound influence the game has had on educational frameworks, particularly in history education. Beyond its entertainment value, Age of Empires has been utilized as an innovative tool in classrooms worldwide to engage students in historical learning and critical thinking. Teachers have incorporated the game into their curriculum to provide a dynamic learning experience where students can explore historical events, understand the complexity of civilizations, and understand the consequences of strategic decisions in a more interactive and immersive manner. This educational adoption underscores the game's intricate design, which, while not always historically accurate down to the finest detail, provides a broad canvas that stimulates interest in historical periods and encourages research and debate among students. Age of Empires is a gateway to history, encouraging players to delve deeper into the stories behind the civilizations they play. This unique blend of gaming and education highlights the potential of video games as learning tools, challenging the traditional boundaries of education and demonstrating how they can be a valuable resource in developing critical skills and fostering a passion for learning.

FAQ

References

Show links

[1] – https://screenrant.com/age-empires-rts-genre-influence-changed/
[2] – https://www.reddit.com/r/ageofempires/comments/1cq5is5/is_age_of_empires_the_most_important_rts_game_of/
[3] – https://www.quora.com/Why-is-Age-of-Empires-2-The-Age-of-Kings-considered-the-best-RTS-game-ever-and-the-basis-for-every-subsequent-successful-RTS-game
[4] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe4/comments/1ad5sre/how_amazing_was_age_of_empires_this_classic_rts/
[5] – https://www.britannica.com/topic/Age-of-Empires
[6] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires_II
[7] – https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/01/the-age-of-age-of-empires-as-told-by-the-devs-who-built-it/
[8] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires_(video_game)
[9] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires
[10] – https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/gameplay-early-game-starting-conditions-act-direction-can-aoe4-break-the-repetitive-genre-curse/79644
[11] – https://brownbear.substack.com/p/breaking-down-age-of-empires-ivs
[12] – https://www.quora.com/Age-of-Empires-II-Why-arent-unusual-starting-settings-later-starting-ages-higher-resources-more-popular
[13] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires
[14] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires_(video_game)
[15] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_(series)
[16] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_(series)
[17] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires
[18] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires
[19] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_II:_The_Age_of_Kings
[20] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires_II
[21] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_II:_HD_Edition
[22] – https://www.reddit.com/r/RealTimeStrategy/comments/13wtpvk/if_you_had_a_top_10_in_the_rts_genre_where_would/
[23] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_III
[24] – https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/943/Age-of-Empires-3
[25] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Technology_(Age_of_Empires_IV)
[26] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_IV
[27] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe4/comments/pt9c4u/innovation_where/
[28] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires:_The_Rise_of_Rome
[29] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe2/comments/13mlqce/give_your_honest_opinion_about_the_return_of_rome/
[30] – https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/age-of-empires-the-rise-of-rome-review/1900-2532811/
[31] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_II:_The_Conquerors
[32] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe2/comments/15aw63o/campaign_changes_in_age_of_kings_and_the/
[33] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Patch_1.0_(The_Conquerors)
[34] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires_III:_The_Asian_Dynasties
[35] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires_III:_The_Asian_Dynasties
[36] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Chinese_(Age_of_Empires_III)
[37] – https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/04/age-of-mythology-review
[38] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Mythology
[39] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Mythology
[40] – https://www.gamespot.com/articles/review-in-progress-age-of-empires-online/1100-6331235/
[41] – https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/08/pc-age-of-empires-online-review-give-nothing-take-from-them-everything/
[42] – https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/wot-i-think-age-of-empires-online
[43] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires:_Castle_Siege
[44] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1XhlJCdUZo
[45] – https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-castle-siege-memories/36250?page=2
[46] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmiTlAchnfo
[47] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe4/comments/pl113y/evolution_of_rts_graphics_19992021/
[48] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGxV3YL7WnM
[49] – https://steamcommunity.com/app/813780/discussions/0/3818544339809535141/
[50] – https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-de-and-aoe-ii-hd/27978
[51] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe2/comments/gvl46e/what_is_the_major_difference_between_aoe/
[52] – https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-graphics-for-aoe4-s5-are-insane/230133
[53] – https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/mol69b/for_anyone_disappointed_in_age_of_empires_4/
[54] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Technology_(Age_of_Empires_IV)
[55] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe2/comments/13qj6ia/theory_the_main_resource_of_aoe2_is_not_gold_wood/
[56] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Renewable_resources
[57] – https://aoe.heavengames.com/theacademy/multiplayerstrategies/resource-management/
[58] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Building
[59] – https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-of-empires-iv-forward-in-the-past/37238
[60] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Unit_(Age_of_Empires)
[61] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe2/comments/2gi2p5/how_has_aoe_2_developed_strategically_over_the/
[62] – https://sofrep.com/news/decoding-the-evolution-of-military-strategy-through-the-ages/
[63] – https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-the-strategies-in-the-Age-of-Empires-strategy-games-to-real-life
[64] – https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/1500-archers-on-a-28-8-network-programming-in-age-of-empires-and-beyond
[65] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires
[66] – https://zoo.cs.yale.edu/classes/cs538/readings/papers/terrano_1500arch.pdf
[67] – https://www.ageofempires.com/
[68] – https://www.quora.com/Is-there-someplace-online-to-play-Age-of-Empires-2-with-multiple-players
[69] – https://www.ageofempires.com/games/age-of-empires-iv/
[70] – https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/i-am-worried-about-aoe-4s-longevity-and-it-needs-few-more-months/174608
[71] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe4/comments/12gsfil/lack_of_marketing_community_and_aoe4s_future/
[72] – https://forums.projectceleste.com/threads/event-questpack-longevity-suggestions.5715/
[73] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires
[74] – https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/02/24/once-upon-a-time-age-of-empires-feature/
[76] – https://screenrant.com/age-empires-rts-genre-influence-changed/
[77] – https://www.reddit.com/r/aoe2/comments/7pqafw/how_is_aoe_different_from_other_rts_games/
[78] – https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-the-strategies-in-the-Age-of-Empires-strategy-games-to-real-life
[79] – https://publichistory.humanities.uva.nl/blog/age-of-empires-in-the-classroom/
[80] – https://aoe.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/aoecgi/display.cgi?action=st&fn=1&tn=6548
[81] – https://www.academia.edu/33535788/Acceptability_of_Microsofts_Age_of_Empires_as_a_teaching_aid_for_high_school_world_history_subjects
[82] – https://www.reddit.com/r/ageofempires/comments/1cq5is5/is_age_of_empires_the_most_important_rts_game_of/
[83] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires_(video_game)
[84] – https://ageofempires.fandom.com/wiki/Age_of_Empires
[85] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Empires
[86] – https://egamersworld.com/blog/the-lasting-legacy-of-age-of-empires-a-look-back-XLNXbNmg2
[87] – https://www.bulbapp.io/p/61afce39-bae3-40c5-920c-f1390d732175/exploring-the-timeless-legacy-of-age-of-empires-a-journey-through-gaming-history