As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the Age of Empires franchise, developed by World’s Edge, is witnessing an unprecedented wave of excitement and expansion. The year has been marked by historic milestones, including a player base that has surged past a remarkable 65 million. This achievement is not just a statistic; it reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of a global community that has passionately engaged with Age of Empires across various platforms, from PC to consoles and mobile devices.
Milestones Achieved in 2025
For those following the franchise, the past few months have been nothing short of thrilling. From massive launches to innovative gameplay features, the Age of Empires community has much to celebrate. The franchise has released three significant expansions, each introducing new civilizations, campaigns, and gameplay modes that enhance the player experience:
- Immortal Pillars for Age of Mythology: Retold added a new Chinese pantheon and an exciting new campaign featuring the Pillars of the Gods.
- Knights of Cross and Rose for Age of Empires IV introduced two new civilizations: the Knights Templar and the House of Lancaster, alongside a new game mode named Historical Battles.
- The Three Kingdoms for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition brought five new civilizations and campaigns inspired by the legendary Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Expanding Platforms and Community Engagement
The franchise has also made strides in accessibility by launching titles on new platforms, such as the PlayStation 5, which has welcomed players into the fold with the releases of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Mythology: Retold. This expansion underscores a commitment to reach a broader audience while enhancing existing gameplay experiences.
Moreover, 2025 saw a significant cultural collaboration that brought the game to life in an unprecedented way. Partnering with the Louvre Museum, Age of Empires presented the rich history of the Mamluks, portraying a golden age of medieval history that resonates with both gamers and history enthusiasts alike. This partnership is emblematic of the franchise’s intent to inspire curiosity and engagement beyond gaming alone.
Upcoming Releases and Features
The excitement doesn’t stop with the successes of the first half of the year. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate the release of Heavenly Spear, the next expansion for Age of Mythology: Retold, set to launch on September 30, 2025. This expansion will foray into Japanese mythology, introducing a new pantheon and a 12-mission campaign that will immerse players in Japan’s legendary tales. Pre-order discounts of 15% are available for those eager to dive into this new content.
“Our community is integral to the growth and evolution of the Age of Empires franchise. Your passion, creativity, and support have fueled everything we’ve accomplished together.”
The Competitive Scene and Future Prospects
The competitive scene in 2025 is thriving, with over $200,000 awarded at S-tier Esports events thus far. Notable champions have emerged across titles like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV, highlighting a robust community of talented players. The momentum continues as more competitions and events are scheduled, including a LAN event set for Germany and China later this year.
- S-tier champions include:
- Hera, recognized for his skill in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition tournaments.
- MarineLorD and loueMT, who have excelled in various Age of Empires IV contests.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
As the gaming industry evolves, so too does the Age of Empires franchise. With major expansions, innovative gameplay, and a passionate community, its future looks promising. Players are encouraged to stay connected through official channels for upcoming news, events, and the latest announcements. The best way to engage is to share feedback, which informs the direction of future content and features.
For more details on Age of Empires events, check out the Events Calendar and continue to be part of this unforgettable journey.
Wololo!