Xbox Game Studios’ well-received real-time strategy game Age of Empires IV may be heading to Microsoft’s Xbox console. That’s according to an eagle-eyed spot by a Twitter user who found some code name-heavy references to an Age of Empires IV Xbox version on the Xbox Insider Hub.
The Hub lists an internal test on a file bearing the name XIP_CAR_JANUARY_2022. Unremarkable except that CAR is believed to refer to Cardinal, the code name used by Xbox Game Studios for Age of Empires IV. XIP is understood to be an acronym for Xbox Insider Preview. According to Twitter user ALumia_Italia, this represents the first mention of XIP alongside the game.
Age of Empires IV Xbox Version
As it stands, Microsoft nor developer Relic Entertainment have officially mentioned an Xbox version, but the internal test suggests work is well underway to make it a reality. As always, with this type of catch, a generous sprinkling of skepticism is warranted, but the evidence is certainly promising at this point.
Microsoft Flight Simulator proved immensely popular with Xbox players when ported to Xbox Series X/S earlier this year. It’s entirely conceivable Microsoft would want to replicate that success with AoE IV.
If you’ve yet to give Age IV a spin, here’s the official marketing blurb for a written taster to what the game’s all about:
One of the most beloved real-time strategy games returns to glory with AoE IV, putting you at the center of epic historical battles that shaped the world. Featuring both familiar and innovative new ways to expand your empire in vast landscapes with stunning 4K visual fidelity, Age of Empires IV brings an evolved real-time strategy game to a new generation.
Age of Empires IV is out now for PC and available as part of Microsoft’s PC Game Pass monthly subscriptions service.