Gamdom: Age of Empires beginner’s guide

The Age of Empires (AOE) franchise first started in October 1997 with the release of its inaugural instalment. Since then, it has steadily grown into one of the most popular real-time strategy game series with each new release. The franchise’s esports scene has also started to bloom as more players continue to discover the charms of this RTS genre game.

With this, many punters have started delving into the Age of Empires betting scene for a chance to win payouts while cheering on their favourite players. If you are interested in learning more about the franchise and its competitive scene, this beginner’s guide will walk you through the essentials, including how to bet on Age of Empires.

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Age of Empires gameplay

Before diving into its franchise and AOE esports scene, it is crucial to grasp how to play Age of Empires by learning its gameplay.

The core gameplay of the AOE franchise centres around building and managing civilisations. Every game usually includes a wide range of playable civilisations, each possessing its unique strengths, units, and technologies. 

Players are tasked with gathering resources, constructing buildings, training armies, and conducting research. The exciting part is when players participate in warfare and diplomacy with either other players or AI enemies. Winning conditions can vary based on the game mode and the specific scenario being played. Here are some of the most common ways to win the game:

• Standard
• Conquest
• Time limit
• Score
• Last man standing
• Diplomacy and alliances
   

The evolution of the Age of Empires franchise

Developed by Ensemble Studios, the AOE franchise has introduced several instalments, spin-offs, and expansions over the years. Although there are over 20 or more games in the series, there are only four main titles. Here is an overview of how the games evolved starting with the founding game, Age of Empires:

Age of Empires (1997)

The first Age of Empires game took players on a journey through ancient history, letting them manage various civilisations spanning from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. It highlighted the importance of managing resources, exploring new territories, and engaging in warfare. The game's success stemmed from its unique combination of historical accuracy and captivating gameplay, laying the groundwork for the following entries in the series.

Age of Empires II (1999)

Age of Empires II is regarded as a landmark title of the series. This title built upon the success of the original game by delving into the medieval period. It brought in new civilisations, upgraded graphics, and improved gameplay mechanics. 

The addition of unique technologies, powerful units, and detailed map design elevated it as a standout title in the genre. This instalment also revolutionised the gaming experience by introducing multiplayer functionality. 

Age of Empires III (2005)

Transitioning to the Age of Discovery, Age of Empires III offers players a fresh experience with a focus on colonial expansion, trade, and naval warfare. The game introduces a more immersive storyline and further improved graphics. There is also a new innovative gameplay element with the Home City system. It provides players with various upgrades and new reinforcements. 

Age of Empires IV (2021) 

The long-awaited fourth instalment returned to the series' roots. With Age of Empires IV, it offers a modernised take on historical strategy. It features improved AI and reimagined gameplay mechanics. This title aimed to strike a balance between accessibility for new players and depth for seasoned veterans, incorporating diverse civilisations and historically accurate campaigns.

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Age of Empires esports scene

While not as mainstream as other esports, the Age of Empires community has fostered a dedicated following and a vibrant competitive esports landscape. Although there are several games in the series, its esports scene mainly revolves around Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. 

However, the release of Age of Empires IV also holds promise for future competitive play thanks to its modernised gameplay mechanics and graphics, attracting both old and new players.

Age of Empires tournaments

There are various Age of Empires tournaments that happen all year round. Here, players showcase their mastery of the game by achieving one of the win conditions available. Some of the most popular tournaments include:

Nili’s Apartment Cup

The Nili Apartment Cup is an invitational tournament set up by Nili_AoE, a big part of the Age of Empires community and a former pro player. This event showcases some of the top players in the Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition community. 

The Cup is famous for having great quality in its presentation, interesting commentary, and intense gameplay. This event attracts a large audience and offers exciting matches in the Age of Empires esports schedule.

Hidden Cup 

The Hidden Cup is one of the most prestigious Age of Empires II tournaments. T90Official, a well-known Age of Empires content creator, organises this event. The Cup has a special twist – players use fake names, keeping their real identities secret until the tournament ends. 

This mysterious element adds suspense and excitement for both the players and viewers. The Hidden Cup showcases high-level gameplay, creating a competitive space where players can highlight their skills without any influence from their reputation. 

These tournaments play a significant role in boosting the popularity of Age of Empires esports. They create a stage where the top players can face off and show fans exciting matches that highlight the game’s strategic depth and thrill.

Maximise the value of your Age of Empires bets at Gamdom

If you're looking to place wagers on competitive tournaments of esports games like the Age of Empires series, Gamdom is your optimal platform to get the most value out of your bets. Enjoy competitive odds and a wide range of betting markets to maximise your winning chances. 

To kickstart your esports betting journey, simply create an account on Gamdom. The registration process is quick and straightforward, requiring only a few minutes of your time.

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