Age of Empires 3 is Being Delisted and Shut Down

The original version of Age of Empires 3 has been delisted from digital storefronts as of October 10, with the game’s multiplayer services ceasing on October 30. Originally released in 2005, Age of Empires 3 is one of the most beloved real-time strategy games of the new millennium, inspiring a Definitive Edition release in October 2020.

Released as the long-awaited sequel to 1999’s Age of Empire 2: The Age of Kings for PC and PlayStation 2, Age of Empires 3 saw impressive sales within its first year on the market, shipping over two million copies and earning rave reviews from critics and players alike. The title focuses on the colonization of the Americas by Europe from the 1400s to the 1800s, with players able to choose from fourteen different civilizations to control. Two expansion packs were released in the following years: The WarChiefs in 2006 and The Asian Dynasties in 2007. The game’s multiplayer was also applauded, as it was the first in the series to be entirely integrated into the game’s interface. While the title still has plenty of fans, the curtain is closing on this chapter of the franchise.

On October 10, the original version of Age of Empires 3 was removed from digital storefronts. According to a message from the game’s developer on Steam, multiplayer services for the game will cease to run on October 30 at 10 am PT, as the technology behind it is no longer supported. Those who own the game will still be able to enjoy campaign and skirmish content, and Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition will still be available to purchase on Steam and Windows Store. The remaster was developed by Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and released in 2020, offering improved graphics, new game modes, additional civilizations, and a fresh soundtrack. Those with PC Game Pass can enjoy this improved version of the game for free.

Age of Empires 3 is No Longer Available to Purchase

While Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires 4 are both available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, Age of Empires 3 has not been released on a single console to date. Fans have been disappointed with this fact for a while, as the remaster of the game seems like a perfect candidate for a port to modern consoles. Featuring 4K Ultra HD graphics, entirely rebuilt 3D assets, an overhauled UI and mod support, players are hoping to see the title appear on Xbox or other consoles in the near future.

Although the genre remains somewhat niche, RTS games were all the rage in the 2000s. From Age of Empires 3 to Halo Wars and Rise of Nations, many of these now classic games remain popular with players today. Age of Empires 4 was released in 2021, but fans of the decades-old franchise are already curious to see what’s next.

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition completes the celebration of one of the most beloved real-time strategy franchises in definitive form with enhanced features and modernized gameplay.

Command mighty civilizations from across Europe and the Americas or jump to the battlefields of Asia in stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics and with a fully remastered soundtrack.

Now featuring two new game modes: Co-Op Historical Battles and The Art of War Challenge Missions, including all previously released expansions and all 14 civilizations, plus two brand new civilizations – the Swedes and Inca.

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Head online to challenge other players with updated online multiplayer with cross network play and enjoy modern gaming features including spectator modes and mod support.

Complete your collection with this final chapter in the Age of Empires Definitive Edition journey.

Systems

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Released

October 18, 2005

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

BANG! Engine

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ESRB

T For Teen due to Blood, Violence

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