It's always bittersweet when a beloved game reaches the end of its lifecycle, and Steam has recently announced that the iconic Age of Empires 3 will no longer be available for purchase. Plus, on October 30, 2024, online multiplayer mode services will cease and that adds even more to the sense of finality. However, online multiplayer is the only area of the game that will no longer be available.
Those who own the game will still be able to play campaign and skirmish modes. The reported reason behind discontinuing multiplayer is that the technology is no longer supported on the platform. Age of Empires 3 and the franchise itself has been a cult-favorite through decades and while the previous games were mainly only known for their campaign modes, Age of Empires 3 was still loved by its community and thoroughly enjoyed on multiplayer too.
Age of Empires 3 is Being Delisted and Shut Down
After 19 years, Age of Empires 3 will no longer be available to purchase, with multiplayer services also soon coming to an end.
Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition Will Continue To Be Supported
It's good to know, however, that Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition will continue to be supported, offering players an updated experience with modern improvements and new content. The Definitive Edition is available on both Steam and Windows Store with 4 DLC additions that expand the civilizations and campaigns even further. For players who aren’t familiar with the edition and would like to try the game before converting to it, a free trial version of the game is available as well.
For those who enjoyed the multiplayer aspect of the original 2007 version, the transition may feel like the end of an era, but at least the campaign and skirmish modes from the original will still be accessible. Plus, the Definitive Edition offers additional content and enhancements that could attract both veteran players of the game as well as newcomers.
The Definitive Edition Offers a Similar Experience With Improvements
The Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition also brings several quality-of-life updates, such as improved AI, revamped UI, and better multiplayer matchmaking services. This makes the experience smoother for both single-player and competitive multiplayer gamers. Based on years of community feedback, this edition includes refined game balance and improvements to the mechanics that weren't as polished in the original.
Skirmishers and Crossbowmen, for instance, have had their damage and cost adjusted to better balance early-game infantry rush strategies. Artillery units in Age of Empires such as the Culverin and Falconet have been rebalanced with tweaks to their cost-effectiveness and counters, making them more viable in various stages of the game — in addition to several more updates.
How Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition Multiplayer Is Better Than Original
The sole reason for discontinuing the Age of Empires 3 multiplayer is the lack of Legacy support. So the players who are solely interested in multiplayer gameplay, the Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition fully supports multiplayer. In fact, it offers an enhanced multiplayer experience compared to the original 2007 version.
The multiplayer system has been upgraded with better matchmaking algorithms to ensure fairer games by matching players of similar skill levels. Plus, it also offers cross-platform support as players on Steam and Microsoft Store can compete against each other, allowing for a larger player base and more diverse matchups. The game also continues to get more frequent updates and patches based on player feedback, which was not the case with the original game.
- Released
- October 18, 2005
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ensemble Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Engine
- BANG! Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Age of Empires
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
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.
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
