Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition ESRB rating suggests imminent release

Age of Empires IV
Age of Empires IV (Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft seemingly looks soon discuss its remaster of Age of Empires II, given a newly-surfaced listing from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The U.S. rating organization has published an online listing for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, the long-awaited revival of the iconic real-time strategy game.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has received a "Teen" rating in the U.S. attributed to blood and violence, alongside mild language. While first unveiled at Gamescom 2017 alongside Age of Empires IV, work on the project has remained silent, following the launch of its Windows 10 re-release of the first Age of Empires.

Age of Empires "exciting announcements" were initially slated for the March installment of Inside Xbox, its monthly live show for Xbox One and Windows 10 PC gaming news. While last month's stream passed with zero mention Age of Empires, a delay to its upcoming April 16 broadcast looks likely.

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition brought significant changes to the classic in 2018, retaining familiar core gameplay, with various visual tweaks and 4K resolution. Similar enhancements are expected for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, with work on upgrades to the third title also to come.

Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.