Here's the Roadmap for Updates for AGE OF EMPIRES IV
Age of Empires IV officially released at the end of last month. Then, last week a patch went out to improve performance and fix a couple of other things. Now, we have a roadmap for the future of the game. First, in Winter 2021, there will be hundreds of balance changes, bug fixes, and new key features that players have requested. Here’s a little peek courtesy of Xbox Wire:
Make the choice to turn on and view in-game player scores! Based on community feedback, we’ve made the decision to implement in-game scores for those who wish to have them. We know that using this feature can change the way you choose to play the game, and so we want to empower you to make the choice for yourself – starting with our Winter 2021 update, you’ll be able to enable in-game player score on a case-by-case basis for custom lobby multiplayer and skirmish matches.
We’ve moved the Chinese Dynasty button and user interface to a less prominent position on the screen. You’ll now find it in the lower left-hand corner.
The ability to view the map post-match is something you’ve asked for, and we’ve begun to make changes to allow you to do just that. Starting with the Winter 2021 update, you’ll be able to pan across the map of a completed match after finishing up your game – we’ll be looking to fold in additional options to allow you to easily switch back and forth between the completed map view and post-game stats in Spring 2022.
Refinements made to the in-game mini-map to improve readability are also coming in Winter 2021. Improvements include reducing the size of icons, ensuring the Wonder icon on the mini-map matches the icon displayed in the HUD, increasing the size of the Primary Town Center in comparison to other Landmarks, and adjusting the color of certain resources.
French Hulk ship tweaked to no longer rule the high seas.
Crossbowmen, Spearman and Elite Crossbowmen will pose a greater threat to Cavalry.
Significantly reducing the cost of the Chinese civilization’s Repeater crossbow.
Fix to HRE Prelate unit to allow them to continue inspiring after being pushed.
Mongol “Superior Mobility” adjusted to ensure the speed modifier is appropriately applied. Thanks to the community for calling this out!
Fix issued for the Rus civilization to eliminate infinite Relic duplication.
Then, in Spring 2022, Ranked Seasons and User Generated Content will become accessible. This means that mods will be easily implemented and that you can prove you are the best. If all that isn’t enough, here are a few other things that the team is looking at adding and adjusting in the future.
Global Build Queue – We know this is a feature many of you have enjoyed in previous Age titles and would like to see in Age of Empires IV.
Improvements to the Unit Stat card – Based on your feedback, we’re looking into how we can better serve up the most meaningful stats at a glance.
Hotkey Improvements – We recognize that hotkeys are a big component in competitive play and are a topic our community cares a great deal about. This is a bigger change, and something we’re investigating from a few different angles, including a movement away from the grid system as well as implementing a few other options via hotkey selections.
Taunts and Cheats – Part of the Age Legacy, we’re exploring what these elements would look (and sound!) like in Age of Empires IV.
AI Difficulty – We’ve heard from you that AI difficulty could use some tuning, specifically making the Easy AI less aggressive and boosting the challenge of the Hard AI.
Waypoint Indicators – Another quality of life feature from previous Age titles, we know this is something many of you want to see returned to Age of Empires IV.
