Age of Empires 2 enthusiasts continue to see their favorite game evolve with new playable civilizations. The game’s Definitive Edition, maintained by Forgotten Empires, has a longstanding tradition of introducing diverse factions to enhance player experience. Recent revelations from Sandy Petersen, one of the original designers of the sequel, suggest that the inclusion of unexpected dynasties in the game dates back to the early development stages, shedding light on historical decisions that have shaped the game’s evolution.
Previous reports have highlighted the deliberate pacing of faction additions to Age of Empires 2, focusing on thematic coherence and historical accuracy. However, Petersen’s account introduces a narrative where corporate influence, particularly from Microsoft, played a pivotal role in the accelerated inclusion of certain civilizations. This perspective contrasts with earlier understandings that primarily credited organic community demand and internal creative directions for the game’s expansions.
Why Did Microsoft Advocate Adding the Korean Civilization?
Microsoft cited the substantial sales of StarCraft in Korea, boasting three million copies, as a rationale for including the Korean civilization in the expansion. Despite Petersen’s reservations regarding Korea’s historical association with conquest, Microsoft emphasized the potential market appeal and the alignment with the regional gaming success.
What Challenges Emerged from Integrating the Korean Civilization?
“We were almost completely finished, 5 weeks ahead of schedule as of January 2000,” Petersen recounts,
but the addition of the Korean faction introduced significant hurdles. The development team struggled with inaccuracies such as incorrect art for turtle ships and misnaming regional bodies of water. Additionally, references to a 17th-century Japanese invasion of Korea sparked controversy, underscoring the complexities of integrating new cultures authentically.
How Has Age of Empires 2 Maintained Its Popularity Over the Years?
Despite initial developmental challenges and disputes over historical representations, Age of Empires 2 has sustained a dedicated player base. The game’s Definitive Edition continues to receive substantial updates from Forgotten Empires, including extensive patches that address gameplay mechanics and introduce new features, ensuring its relevance and engagement in the gaming community.
The strategic inclusion of the Korean civilization in Age of Empires 2 highlights the intricate balance between creative vision and corporate influence in game development. While Microsoft’s intervention may have expedited the expansion process, it also introduced elements that required significant adjustments to maintain historical fidelity and player satisfaction. The ongoing support and updates from Forgotten Empires reflect a commitment to evolving the game in response to both player interests and developer insights, ensuring that Age of Empires 2 remains a staple in the real-time strategy genre.
