Microsoft has announced that it will be bringing its iconic Age of Empires game to Apple’s iOS devices and Google’s Android devices. The game is expected to launch on both platforms by March of next year. This move marks a significant expansion for the Age of Empires franchise, which has traditionally been available only on PC. By making the game accessible on mobile devices, Microsoft aims to reach a broader audience and tap into the growing mobile gaming market.
Microsoft has also said that they will be bringing Age of Empires to their own Windows Phone 8 mobile platform, although the game will be available on Windows Phone after it lands on iOS and Android. This staggered release schedule indicates that Microsoft is prioritizing the more popular mobile operating systems first, likely to maximize initial user engagement and feedback.
Development and Collaboration
Ages of Empires for Android and iOS is being developed by Japanese developer KLab Inc., who are working closely with Microsoft to bring the game to mobile devices. KLab Inc. is known for its expertise in mobile game development, having successfully launched several popular titles in the past. This collaboration is expected to ensure that the mobile version of Age of Empires retains the quality and gameplay mechanics that fans of the series have come to love.
The partnership between Microsoft and KLab Inc. is a strategic move to leverage KLab’s experience in mobile gaming. This collaboration aims to deliver a seamless and engaging experience for mobile users, ensuring that the game is optimized for touch controls and smaller screens without compromising on the depth and complexity that the Age of Empires series is known for.
Gameplay and Features
While specific details about the mobile version of Age of Empires are still under wraps, it is expected to include many of the features that have made the game a classic. Players can look forward to building and managing their own empires, engaging in real-time strategy battles, and exploring various historical periods. The mobile version is also likely to introduce new features and optimizations tailored for mobile gameplay, such as touch controls and shorter game sessions to accommodate on-the-go play.
One of the key challenges in bringing a complex strategy game like Age of Empires to mobile devices is ensuring that the gameplay remains intuitive and accessible. KLab Inc. and Microsoft are likely focusing on creating a user interface that is easy to navigate on smaller screens, while still providing the depth and strategic options that fans expect. This could involve reimagining certain aspects of the game to better suit the mobile format, such as streamlined resource management and simplified unit controls.
Additionally, the mobile version of Age of Empires may include social features that allow players to connect and compete with friends. This could involve multiplayer modes, leaderboards, and in-game events that encourage community engagement and competition. By incorporating these social elements, Microsoft and KLab Inc. aim to create a vibrant and active player base that will keep the game thriving long after its initial release.
Source App Advice
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.