Microsoft today confirmed that it will develop an iOS and Android version of Age of Empires, which is currently only available on the Xbox and PC.
Redmond signed a licensing agreement with KLab Inc. to develop the game, which will initially be available in English, Larry Hyrb, director of programming for the Xbox Live network, said in a blog post. There are “plans to release the game in other languages and on Windows Phone in the future,” Hyrb said.
Reports about Age of Empires on iOS and Android emerged this morning after a report from Nikkei said that Microsoft was developing iOS and Android versions of several games currently only available on the Xbox and PC.
Hyrb, however, downplayed the report. “Some reports included incorrect information about additional Xbox based games on iOS and Android but there are no further announcements beyond Age of Empires at this time,” he wrote.
News of revamped consoles from Microsoft and Sony has been met with great fanfare, but the gaming space is getting crowded with mobile gaming apps and alternative consoles.
The Windows-based Razer Edge Pro debuted earlier this year, for example, while the Nvidia Shield arrives later this week. Smaller, Android-based gaming options from the likes of PlayJam and GamePop are on the way, while the Ouya hit stores today.
