Exciting times are ahead as more Xbox games are branching out to other platforms. Two classic real-time strategy games, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and Age of Mythology: Retold, are set to make their debut on PlayStation 5. Age of Empires 2 is expected in the spring, while Age of Mythology will arrive in March 2025, according to an announcement from Xbox on Tuesday.
These iconic games will feature full cross-play support, allowing Xbox, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5 players to compete seamlessly. Plus, updates will be released simultaneously for all platforms, ensuring a unified gaming experience.
The stewardship of Age of Empires and its popular spinoff, Age of Mythology, falls to World’s Edge. As part of Xbox Game Studios, this team collaborates with other developers to revamp classic games while also creating new entries in this beloved franchise. In recent years, they’ve been hard at work, bringing us the Definitive Editions of Age of Empires, Age of Empires 2, and Age of Empires 3. They’ve also developed Age of Empires 4 and are ambitiously recreating Age of Mythology.
Reflecting on Age of Mythology: Retold, I observed that it “does an excellent job of not only being a stellar remake but also propelling the series forward, setting the stage for future expansions and updates.”
Continuing their strategy of broadening their game availability, Xbox is set to release Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 this spring. Bethesda Softworks and MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will also join the PlayStation lineup in the first half of this year.
Microsoft’s strategy involves expanding its reach as it strives to increase profit margins by integrating its games across PlayStation and Nintendo platforms. Notably, many of Xbox’s upcoming first-party titles, such as id Software’s DOOM: The Dark Ages, are poised for day-one releases on PlayStation 5.
According to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, innovation in hardware remains a top priority. He believes the advancements should be compelling enough to encourage gamers to opt for Xbox hardware over other options.
As this story develops, stay tuned for all the latest updates and insights.