Microsoft possibly making a new Age of Empires game

Possible hints of a new Age of Empires game arose when a job offer for a "Senior Games Developer for a well-loved strategy franchise" was posted on LinkedIn the other day. The listing says they're looking for someone with a good deal of leadership experience, and experience coding in multiple languages as well, effectively the same requests for most AAA game developers. Age of Empires began life in 1997 with Ensemble Studios at the head, and has gone through multiple spin-offs and sequels since then. The most recent iteration of the franchise, Age of Empires Online has been up since August 2011, but has struggled since that time, and is slated to shut down come July 2014.



Personally, I think it'd be watched VERY closely by the fanbase if this gets made. No one wants an amazing, memorable franchise get crapped all over by an attempt at milking the nostalgia, and like I said before, Age of Empires Online didn't do so hot due to making an unholy bastard of MMO/RTS. If you can think of a good example of that, let me know, because I haven't seen one yet. Maybe they'll be able to pull it off. If they do, they'll certainly get the accolades of bringing back the gameplay and style that everyone loves, and maybe even some good, new elements that still retain the almost wacky feel (I'm looking at you, monks).

Either do good, or fall on your face. One results in fun times for everyone, the other... Well, you know how it goes.