"Age Of Empires" is one gaming franchise that all fans of the real-time-strategy genres will likely recognize. The earlier games in the series went on to become huge successes, but after the studio behind the games went defunct, the series was likely thought to be dead. "Age of Empires 3" released almost 12 years back in 2005, and since then there has not been a proper entry into the series. However, that is about to change soon.

Microsoft Studios announced on Monday, August 21 that it currently working on a new game in the series, aptly titled "Age of Empires 4."' The impending strategy game will be released for Windows 10 PC only.

The studio did not reveal whether an Xbox One version is also in the making.

Revival of the game

The first game in the series was launched in 1997 by Ensemble Studios. The second game followed two years later in 1999, while the third and final entry saw its release in 2005. Shortly afterward Ensemble studios shut down production and went defunct. Many fans of the series felt that this was the end for the greatly-loved RTS game series.

However, after 12 years, Microsoft has decided to revive the franchise with Relic Entertainment now taking over instead of Ensemble. Relic Entertainment is based out of Vancouver, Canada and is highly regarded when it comes to the production of RTS games. The developers have previously outed such games as "Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War," "Homeworld," and "Company of Heroes."

Microsoft Studios creative director Adam Isgreen stated that Relic's immense experience in the genre will be invaluable in making "Age of Empires 4" the best RTS game mixed with historical facts and stories.

The publisher and the developers are looking to bring the forgotten appeal of the game to the forefront and tap into the thousands of fans of the original "Age of Empires" trilogy, who have been waiting for the longest time for the series' revival.

The studio did not reveal anything specific regarding when to expect the RTS game to arrive on the PC platform.

However, seeing as how it is gearing up, "Age of Empires 4" will likely be released sometime within next year. So, it is possible that more details of the game will emerge in the coming months or even at E3 2018.

Other releases in the franchise

Microsoft is also working toward bringing the "Age of Empires: Definitive Edition" to fans, which will allow players to engage in the first game of the series in ultra-high graphics and 4K resolutions. This version will be released on October 19 this year. Similar Definitive Editions for both "Age of Empires 2" and "Age of Empires 3" are also in the making.