Age of Empires: Castle Siege to shut down in May 2019

Age of Empires: Castle Siege is set to end its lengthy run in 2019. The Microsoft Studios team behind the title announced that it will shut down on May 13, 2019.

From Microsoft:

We wanted to share that after May 13, 2019, "Age of Empires: Castle Siege" will no longer be supported, and will no longer be available for download. Current "Age of Empires: Castle Siege" players can still download and play the game up until May 13. After May 13, matchmaking services will end, which means the game will no longer be playable. While we're sad to close "Age of Empires: Castle Siege," we're excited for what's to come for the Age franchise with the recent release of "Age of Empires: Definitive Edition" and upcoming titles such as "Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition," "Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition" and "Age of Empires IV."

While gamers will get to keep playing the tower defense game through its closing date, Microsoft is actually beginning the sunsetting process now. Starting this week, you'll no longer be able to purchase gold to use in the game, though you'll still be able to earn daily free gold from trade routes. Further, players will receive refunds for all gold purchases going back to May 8, 2018.

Finally, the Castle Siege forums will be archived on December 13, 2018.

Age of Empires: Castle Siege has enjoyed a fairly lengthy run across Windows 10 and mobile platforms. The game initially launched in September of 2014. Its shutdown is sure to be a blow to any players that still actively jump into the game from time to time, but Microsoft is now turning its attention to the various Age of Empires definitive editions it has on deck, along with Age of Empires IV.

Thanks to John and Jose for the tips!

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Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl