Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, an enhanced version of the original Age of Empires game currently in development by Microsoft Studios, has pushed back its release date to early 2018 according to a news post on the game's official website.
Originally, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition was originally announced during the PC Gaming show of E3 2017 and slated to release on October 19, 2017. That date is being reappropriated as the start date for the closed beta which will include thousands of players from the community surrounding the game. The developers seek to test out most aspects of this upcoming real-time strategy including the single-player campaign, multiplayer balance, the lobby, and other unnamed features.
Microsoft Studios did not provide a specific reason for the delay. Their messaging on the delay indicates that they want to have more time to ensure that the game is completed properly. The team has had "a number of debates" over how extensively they ought to improve the game and they emphasize that a classic title such as Age of Empires must be treated with "careful reverence". There is no exact release date planned as of yet other than the general targeted release window of early 2018.
The game is currently planned to be a Windows 10 exclusive game sold through the Windows Store. Gamers who would like to participate in the beta must meet these requirements (as well as the minimum system requirements as seen on the purchase page) and sign up for the Insider Program via the official website; closed beta testers are planned to be selected from the ranks of the Insider Program. The closed beta for Age of Empires: Definitive Edition begins on October 19, 2017, and it releases sometime in early 2018.
What do you think of Age of Empires: Definitive Edition delaying the release for several months? Will you be participating in the closed beta of the game? Does the Windows 10 exclusivity make the game a dealbreaker for you? Let us know in the comments below!
