In 1997, Ensemble Studios released Age of Empires, a real-time strategy game that transformed history into spectacle. We trace Tony Goodman’s journey from running a Dallas software company to founding Ensemble, and how veteran designer Bruce Shelley brought board game and Civilization experience to the team. The episode highlights the creation of “Dawn of Man,” the challenges of pathfinding and dial-up multiplayer, and Microsoft’s gamble on a game that mixed Warcraft’s immediacy with Civilization’s scope. Our conversation explores critic reviews praising its balance of history and playability, as well as fan memories of chopping wood, raising wonders, and fighting to the population cap. We also cover Rise of Rome, sequels, Definitive Editions, and Age of Empires IV. Join us as we build, march, and conquer through Age of Empires on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.

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