After the completion ofHalo Wars, Ensemble Studiosis closing. Yesterday, we learned that Microsoft will gather up the majority of employees and hug them closely to its bosomin the aftermath. Questions still remain about the closure, but thanks to the comments of Kevin Unangst (director, Games for Windows) we now know thatAge of Empireswill survive.
Unangst told readers atGamerScoreBlogto “stay tuned” and not worry about the fate ofAge of Empiresafter the Ensemble closing:
As many of you have heard, Ensemble Studios will be closing after Halo Wars is complete. If you’re a PC gamer, you’ve likely played some version of Age of Empires somewhere along the line. I want to reassure you that Microsoft will still own the Age of Empires intellectual property. As a company, we’re very excited about the future potential for Age of Empires, and as a PC gamer I’m looking forward to what that future holds. Stay tuned.
While I admit thatAge of Mythologyreally blew, I remember quite fondly the days I would just sit and playAge of Empiresfor hours on end. The Ensemble closing reminds me of the fragility of the industry, and how quickly one’s favorite games can be buried. In this regard, I’m happy thatAoEwill find a new home.
What do you guys think of this news? DoesAge of Empireshave a bright future without all of the guys at Ensemble around?
[viaVideoGamer]
