Why Age of Empires 3's shutdown might be a good thing

Since its release in 2005, Age of Empires 3 was a unique title in the long-running real-time strategy franchise. For nearly two decades, this chapter has taken the series in a new direction with a focus on European colonization, but that seems to be coming to an end now. The original version Age of Empires 3 is delisted and closed, marking the end of an era.

This was announced in an official message Age of empire 3Steam page stating that the shutdown is due to the game's technology being no longer supported. For now, the game has been removed from digital storefronts since October 10th, and its multiplayer will officially stop supporting the op feature is a big blow to many fans. Despite this, all hope cannot be lost Age of Empires 3 in the future.

Age of Empires 3 could still find new life with a remake

Giving Age of Empires 3 a fresh coat of paint

It wouldn't be the first time Age of Empires 3 makeup was done. Back in 2020, the game got its own remaster with Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. The remaster brought additional content, updated graphics and even two new civilizations. However, more could be learned by developing the game further. When it launched, many fans of the franchise were divided over the new approach. From not-so-convincing criticism of the time period to its gameplay, Age of Empires 3 remains a controversial entry in the series. However, instead of seeing this as a drawback, it could give owner Microsoft plenty of reason to give the chapter new life through a remake.

Age of Empires 3: Definition Edition
will remain available for purchase.

Despite the split, there are still many of them The Age of Empire fans who consider this entry a personal favorite, even if some of the developers who worked on it don't necessarily agree. Bruce Shelley, founder of series creator Ensemble Studios, has said in past interviews, “I think we tried to do too much.” The desire to change the formula of the game to bring something fresh has gone too far off course for some. The The Age of Empires series is filled with unique entries that have created their own passionate fans, and Age of Empires 3 getting a proper makeover could bring some redemption to the chapter.

Environment with full potential

The era depicted in Age of Empires 3 plenty of opportunities to learn compelling and terrifying facts about world history. Focusing on the European colonization of the Americas is a complex subject filled with many moral questions that could provide an intriguing backdrop for a more insightful and well-polished version of the game.

Age of Empires 3
takes place between 1492 and 1876.

Age of Empires 3 is still ongoing

Even if Age of Empires 3 doesn't get a full remake, the Definitive edition what's still available is a boon for fans of the title. However, it's been four years since its release, so Microsoft may be looking to the future of the franchise. That would make a remake not entirely possible.

For owners of the original 2005 game, Age of Empires 3 going off the grid means a bitter end. Although remastering Definitive edition it's a great option, there's something to be said for the charm of the game in its original form. Age of empires helped build the real-time strategy genre, and seeing some of its more experimental concepts properly reworked could prove fascinating.