Microsoft has a brand new studio dedicated to Age of Empires

Microsoft has formed a new studio dedicated to its Age of Empires series. Following the official unveiling of Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition at its E3 2019 press conference, a note on the Xbox website announced the studio's existence.

"We are committing more resources and dedicated leadership to the Age of Empires franchise to ensure that its legacy on PC continues in service of the passionate community of faithful fans," the note reads.

Age of Empires 4 is currently in development by Relic Entertainment, and will be published by Microsoft Studios, most likely in 2020. A remaster of the original Age of Empires released early last year, attracting a fairly lukewarm review by Fraser.

Microsoft also announced its acquisition of Double Fine Productions during its E3 2019 press conference.

Shaun Prescott

Shaun Prescott is the Australian editor of PC Gamer. With over ten years experience covering the games industry, his work has appeared on GamesRadar+, TechRadar, The Guardian, PLAY Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald, and more. Specific interests include indie games, obscure Metroidvanias, speedrunning, experimental games and FPSs. He thinks Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed is an all-time classic that will receive its due critical reappraisal one day.