Age of Empires IV Crosses 4 Million Copies Sold, According to Developer’s LinkedIn Profile

Image: Age of Empires IV

Age of Empires IV has reportedly sold over 4 million copies since its release in 2021. This sales milestone was revealed via the LinkedIn profile of a former Relic Entertainment developer, who served as the game's art director during its development.

Released on October 28, 2021, Age of Empires IV marked the long-awaited return of the beloved real-time strategy (RTS) franchise, developed by Relic Entertainment in collaboration with World’s Edge, and published by Xbox Game Studios. Initially launched for PC, the game later expanded to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles in August 2023, further widening its player base.

Age of Empires IV former dev's LinkedIn profile

For those unfamiliar, Age of Empires IV stays true to the core RTS formula that defined the series: players gather resources, construct civilizations, and lead armies through historical campaigns and intense multiplayer battles. Set during the Middle Ages, the game spans centuries of history, offering players four distinct ages to progress through — from the Dark Age to the Imperial Age.

At launch, players could choose from eight unique civilizations, including the English, Mongols, and Chinese, each bringing its own gameplay style and mechanics. Later expansions such as The Sultans Ascend introduced additional factions like the Malians and Ottomans, adding even more strategic depth.

The game features four fully voiced historical campaigns — such as the Norman Conquest and the Mongol Empire — that blend gameplay with documentary-style storytelling. These vignettes and voice-acted narratives give Age of Empires IV a more grounded, educational feel, setting it apart from many other strategy titles.

Multiplayer remains a significant draw, offering skirmishes and ranked matches for up to eight players. The asymmetry between civilizations ensures that no two matches feel exactly alike, with unique bonuses like the Mongols’ mobility or the Rus’ hunting economy influencing strategic decisions.

Since launch, Age of Empires IV has received steady post-launch support. Regular updates, balance tweaks, and new seasonal events have kept the community active, while mod support and console-friendly control schemes have made the game more accessible than ever.

Critical reception has been largely positive. The game holds an 81/100 on Metacritic (PC), praised for its historical accuracy, polished visuals, and blend of classic and modern gameplay elements. While some longtime fans wished for more innovation, many appreciated the game’s efforts to modernize the genre while respecting its roots.