Age of Empires IV: striving for identity in a competitive real-time strategy landscape
Since its release, Age of Empires IV (AoE4) has established itself as a prominent title in the real-time strategy (RTS) gaming world, attracting both seasoned veterans of the franchise and newcomers alike. As the latest installment in the iconic Age of Empires series, AoE4 has introduced fresh gameplay mechanics, regular updates, and a steady stream of downloadable content (DLC). Yet, the game faces an ongoing challenge: defining its own legacy while being constantly compared to its predecessor, Age of Empires II (AoE2), a fan favorite that has remained popular for decades.
One of the key points of discussion within the AoE community revolves around the delicate balance between AoE4's potential and the long-standing dominance of AoE2. While AoE4 has garnered success in several areas, including DLC sales and a growing player base, it continues to compete with AoE2 for attention, particularly during major tournaments. Events like those sponsored by Red Bull frequently showcase both games, but AoE4 often finds itself in the shadow of its older counterpart. This has led to debates over whether AoE4 can sustain consistent viewership and keep up with the momentum required for a thriving competitive scene.
Tensions across the community
A recent Reddit discussion about the Red Bull Wololo (RBW) finals between top players MarineLord and Puppypaw captured this tension. The match, a best-of-five, was dominated by MarineLord, leaving some spectators disappointed by what they felt was a one-sided affair. Despite Puppypaw showing moments of promise, critical mistakes, coupled with MarineLord's superior strategy and execution, led to a decisive victory.
The post-match reactions weren’t limited to gameplay analysis. MarineLord's playful yet provocative banter sparked mixed opinions among fans. While some viewed it as typical competitive rivalry, others felt his comments crossed the line, reflecting poorly on the sportsmanship of the AoE4 community. This incident further fueled ongoing concerns about the image of AoE4 in relation to AoE2, particularly regarding the professionalism expected at high-profile events. Some viewers even critiqued the tournament format, suggesting that a best-of-seven might have offered more balance and excitement for the finals.
"Wow, just watched it. He was so arrogant and not funny. I do think he was "trying" to be funny with that "they all suck" comment, but it really didn't work. Honestly I'm sad he represented AOE4 like that, makes it seem toxic AF :("- Hobotus, a participant of the Reddit discussion
Desire for a better competitive landscape
These discussions underscore broader concerns within the RTS community about AoE4's future. While the game boasts a passionate player base and the support of dedicated content creators, its competitive scene has yet to fully mature. The skill gap between top players, as evidenced in the MarineLord vs. Puppypaw match, also highlights the need for AoE4 to further develop its infrastructure to foster a deeper and more engaging competitive landscape.
As AoE4 continues to evolve, it faces the dual challenge of maintaining its own identity while living in the shadow of AoE2. The game's success will depend on its ability to cultivate a lasting competitive scene, improve visibility, and engage both casual players and professional gamers. With strong community support and ongoing developments, AoE4 has the potential to thrive—but its path forward remains a topic of vibrant discussion within the RTS world.
Some familiar players, involved with AoE4 either in the present or in the past
Appreciation for Elite Gaming Channel
Finally, there is significant appreciation for the Elite Gaming Channel (EGC) within the Age of Empires IV community, especially in relation to its contributions to the competitive scene. EGC has played a vital role in organizing and promoting high-quality tournaments, providing a platform for both established and emerging players to showcase their skills. Their efforts have helped to build a competitive infrastructure for AoE4, which is still in its developmental stages compared to Age of Empires II.
Many in the community recognize EGC's role in increasing the visibility of AoE4 and offering exciting, well-organized events that keep the game’s competitive spirit alive. They have been praised for their professionalism, consistency, and the way they’ve supported the game's ecosystem with cash prizes, streaming content, and community engagement.
However, alongside this appreciation, there are also ongoing discussions about how the broader AoE4 competitive scene can grow further, and whether more tournament organizers or sponsors, beyond EGC, are needed to sustain the game's momentum. Nevertheless, EGC remains a respected and valued organization in the AoE4 community for its contributions to the game's early competitive success.