Unreal Engine 5 Powers Upcoming Age of Empires Games

Exciting News: New Age of Empires Game in Development at World’s Edge

This week, a new job listing revealed that a fresh installment in the Age of Empires franchise is being developed by Microsoft’s World’s Edge studio. Given the franchise’s recent resurgence, this announcement is both expected and exhilarating for fans. Since 2018, the series has seen a revival marked by new Definitive Editions and remastered versions of earlier games, including the latest release, Age of Mythology: Retold. Additionally, popular titles like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition continue to receive new downloadable content (DLC).

Unreal Engine 5 Powers the Upcoming Title

While the notion of a new Age of Empires title is thrilling, the most noteworthy detail from the job listing is the indication that the game will utilize the advanced Unreal Engine 5 technology. This development suggests that the upcoming game aims to deliver a visually stunning experience that leverages the latest advancements in game design.

Team Expansion for Future Projects

As stated in the job posting, the team at Xbox Game Studios is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Age of Empires franchise. They are in search of a Principal Unreal Engineer skilled in all facets of Unreal Engine development and adept at managing external resources, demonstrating their commitment to innovative game development. Their collective goal is to craft a robust technological framework for their future projects.

Insights from Developers

Internet detectives have unearthed the LinkedIn profile of the Principal Build Lead Engineer at World’s Edge, revealing that the studio has been working on a triple-A development pipeline for multiple “unannounced titles utilizing Unreal Engine 5.”This detail, coupled with the engineer’s tenure at the studio since December 2023, suggests a promising future for the franchise.

Speculations on Age of Empires V

The front-runner for the next title appears to be Age of Empires V, particularly following the success of Age of Empires IV, which garnered numerous awards for Best Strategy Game in 2021. Moreover, the fourth expansion, titled Dynasties of the East, is scheduled for release on November 4, coinciding with the debut of the game on PlayStation 5. This expansion introduces several new cultures, including the Golden Horde, Macedonian Dynasty, Sengoku Daimyo, and Tughlaq Dynasty, as well as an intriguing roguelite single-player mode.

Collaboration Possibilities

While Relic Entertainment developed Age of Empires IV, it remains uncertain whether World’s Edge can independently develop the next installment. It will be interesting to see if they collaborate with Relic again, especially since the Vancouver-based studio has recently transitioned to independence from SEGA as of March 2024.

For those keen on following the developments in the Age of Empires universe, this news signals an exciting chapter. Stay tuned as we await further updates!

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