Who Is Developing Age of Mythology: Retold?

Age of Mythology: Retold is being developed by World’s Edge Studio, a branch of Xbox Game Studios dedicated to modernizing beloved real-time strategy (RTS) franchises.

The development team is collaborating with Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires, both of which have contributed to successful remasters in the Age of Empires series.

Together, these studios aim to reintroduce Age of Mythology to a new generation of gamers while staying true to its roots as one of the most beloved RTS games of all time.

The Role of World’s Edge Studio

World’s Edge Studio is the driving force behind the creative and technical direction of Age of Mythology: Retold. Founded as part of Microsoft’s larger strategy to revive its classic RTS games, World’s Edge has already achieved great success with definitive editions of Age of Empires titles.

Their approach to Retold focuses on blending the nostalgia of the original with innovations that modern gamers expect, such as improved graphics, smoother gameplay, and cross-platform multiplayer functionality.

Kristen Pirillo, Senior Game Designer at World’s Edge, described the development process as a meticulous effort to modernize the game without losing its charm.

According to her, the team has implemented quality-of-life changes based on feedback from the passionate Age of Mythology community while leaning into the fantastical elements that make the game unique.

Features such as reusable god powers and an expanded Favor system are designed to enhance the game’s mythological appeal while addressing some of the limitations of the original.

Contributions from Tantalus Media

Tantalus Media, a studio with a strong track record in remasters and ports, is responsible for enhancing the game’s visual and technical aspects. Their expertise includes work on Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, which makes them a natural fit for a project like Retold. Tantalus Media has focused on:

Visual Overhaul: Redesigned 3D models, high-definition textures, and vibrant animations bring the mythological setting to life.
Cross-Platform Optimization: Ensuring that Age of Mythology: Retold runs seamlessly on both PC and Xbox platforms.
Accessibility Features: Streamlined controls for console players and improvements to the user interface for smoother navigation.

Forgotten Empires’ Expertise

Forgotten Empires, another key collaborator, has a history of working closely with the RTS community. They are well-known for their work on Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and their ability to integrate community feedback into development.

For Retold, Forgotten Empires has focused on gameplay balance, introducing new mechanics that cater to both casual and competitive players.

One of their most significant contributions is refining the balance of myth units and god powers, ensuring that no single strategy dominates. This is crucial for multiplayer matches, where strategic diversity keeps the game engaging.

Key Innovations in Age of Mythology: Retold

Expanded Favor System

One of the standout features of Age of Mythology: Retold is the reimagined Favor system. In the original game, Favor was a limited resource tied to each civilization’s unique method of gaining favor with the gods.

For example, Greeks gained Favor through worship, while the Norse earned it in battle. In Retold, the Favor system has been expanded to remove its cap, allowing players to accumulate and spend it more freely.

This change opens up new strategies, particularly in the late game, where players can rely on mythological units and god powers to dominate the battlefield.

Reusable God Powers

In a departure from the original, god powers in Retold can now be reused. While each use requires increasing amounts of Favor, this mechanic adds strategic depth and allows players to incorporate god powers into their overall game plan more frequently.

For instance, Poseidon’s earthquake or Zeus’s lightning bolts can now have a sustained impact over the course of a match, rather than being a one-time gamble.

Cross-Platform Multiplayer

For the first time in the series, Age of Mythology: Retold introduces cross-platform multiplayer between PC and Xbox players. This feature allows a broader audience to enjoy the game together, fostering a larger and more diverse community.

With ranked matches, quick play, and custom game modes, the multiplayer experience is designed to be both competitive and accessible.

Enhanced Visuals and Audio

The game’s artistic overhaul is another major highlight. The developers have rebuilt unit models, mythological creatures, and environments with stunning detail.

Players can now enjoy richly detailed battlefields with dynamic lighting, weather effects, and high-resolution textures. The audio has also been re-recorded, offering a fresh take on the iconic soundtrack while maintaining the original’s epic tone.

A Collaborative Approach to Development

One of the most impressive aspects of Age of Mythology: Retold is the collaborative approach taken by its development team.

World’s Edge has emphasized the importance of community input, actively engaging with fans through forums and beta testing. This feedback has shaped many of the game’s improvements, from balance changes to new features.

For example, fans had long requested larger population caps and more flexibility in managing armies. The development team delivered by increasing the unit cap and refining pathfinding, ensuring that massive battles feel smoother and more rewarding.

Being attacked by a Kraken in Age of Mythology

Expanding the Mythological Universe

Looking ahead, the developers have announced plans for future expansions, including the highly anticipated Immortal Pillars DLC, which introduces a Chinese pantheon.

This addition will bring new gods, myth units, and powers to the game, expanding its mythological scope. Such updates highlight the team’s commitment to keeping Retold fresh and engaging long after its initial release.

Why This Development Team Is Perfect for Retold

The combination of World’s Edge, Tantalus Media, and Forgotten Empires ensures that Age of Mythology: Retold is in expert hands. Each studio brings a unique skill set, from technical expertise to deep knowledge of the RTS genre.

Their collaborative efforts have resulted in a game that feels both nostalgic and innovative, offering something for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

If you’re a fan of mythological strategy games, Age of Mythology: Retold promises to be a definitive experience. With its enhanced gameplay, stunning visuals, and a dedicated development team, the game is poised to cement its legacy as one of the great RTS titles of all time.