In a surprising announcement from Microsoft, the plans for new downloadable content (DLC) for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition have been canceled, and the development team has also confirmed that no further updates will be made to the game in the future. However, the game will still be maintained with active servers and customer support. This news has come as a shock to fans of this popular real-time strategy game.
Microsoft Cancels New DLC and Halts Updates for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
In a statement that surprised the gaming community, Microsoft officially canceled the plans to develop new downloadable content (DLC) for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. Additionally, no new content updates for this real-time strategy game will take place in the future. This decision has left many players feeling disappointed and let down, as Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is one of the most beloved real-time strategy games with a large and dedicated player base.
Reasons for Canceling the DLC and Stopping Development
In a blog post from the development team, Microsoft explained the reasoning behind this decision. They stated: “When reviewing content for last year’s program, we wanted to ensure that Age III: DE players felt included in the brand celebration, as we know you have a great passion and love for the game. However, pushing to ensure the game was included led us to announce content before it was built, and we felt that announcement was too early.”
This decision appears to have stemmed from announcing the DLC before it was completed, causing Microsoft to feel that the announcement was no longer appropriate and was “too soon.” As a result, they decided to stop developing DLC content for the game rather than release an incomplete product.
The State of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
While no new DLC or content updates will be developed, Microsoft has committed to maintaining the servers and customer support for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. The game’s servers will remain active, and factions in the free trial version will continue to rotate for players to experience. Additionally, Microsoft will continue to provide customer support to address any issues players may encounter.
However, the lack of new content development will undoubtedly disappoint many players, especially those hoping for new campaigns, civilizations, or features to refresh their gaming experience.
Encouraging Players to Explore Community Mods
Microsoft also encouraged players to engage with the community and explore mods created by the community itself. This provides players with a way to access new content without waiting for official updates from the development team. These mods can offer unique and fresh experiences for players, further enriching the game world.
The Future of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Despite the decision to halt new content development, Microsoft has maintained certain commitments to the player base. The game’s servers will continue to function normally, allowing the community to stay connected and engage in multiplayer matches. Features such as online matches, single-player modes, and multiplayer modes will remain available for players to continue enjoying.
Microsoft also emphasized that they will continue to provide customer support and address any issues related to the game. Bug fixes and security updates will still be deployed to ensure the game remains stable.
Fan Disappointment
This decision, however, has undoubtedly disappointed the fanbase of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. The cancellation of the DLC and the halting of further development may leave players who were looking forward to new campaigns, civilizations, or features feeling deflated. The game was initially well-received thanks to continuous updates and DLCs, but with this new decision, it’s likely that there will be no further changes in the future.
Conclusion
The cancellation of DLC and the cessation of further content development for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a decision that has left many players feeling disheartened. While there will be no new updates, Microsoft has committed to maintaining the game and offering customer support moving forward. Community mods will be a good option for those seeking new content within the game. Still, this decision remains a major disappointment for the loyal fans of this iconic real-time strategy game.