Hey everyone!

We recently announced that we’re taking some extra time to make Age of Empires: Definitive Edition the best game it can be, and we were thrilled with the outpouring of support that came from the community. We’re dedicated to treating this 20-year-old classic with the respect it deserves as a hallmark of video game history, and we’re so happy to have your support in doing everything we can to make that happen.

But we want to do more.

We know that, no matter how good the reason, it stinks to wait longer than you expect. What’s more, we want to get you involved in the process; the voice of our community is crucial to letting us know how we’re doing and where we need to go from here. That’s why we’re taking the following steps to make sure we do right by our community:

Pre-orders have been refunded . Some pre-order customers were mistakenly charged ahead of schedule. If you were charged for your pre-order, you should have received a refund. We will also send an email within the next week or so containing further details. Note that pre-orders were canceled as part of the refund process. To renew your pre-order, click here: https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9N2KMDVLK85D Refunded Preorders will receive a complimentary game. In order to make things right for those who were charged, all users who receive a refund will also get a free code for Rise of Nations: Extended Edition for Windows 10! Look for an email with more information within the next week.

Some pre-order customers were mistakenly charged ahead of schedule. If you were charged for your pre-order, you should have received a refund. We will also send an email within the next week or so containing further details. Note that pre-orders were canceled as part of the refund process. To renew your pre-order, click here: https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9N2KMDVLK85D All pre-order customers will be invited to the beta! No more waiting! Everyone who pre-orders Age of Empires: Definitive Edition will receive an invitation to the closed beta, letting you give valuable feedback on the final stages of development. This applies to all pre-order customers going forward, as well as any refunded customers who confirm their pre-orders. Note that to join the beta itself you’ll also need to complete the program prerequisites by signing up here.

Once again, thanks for your patience and support as we work to release the best possible version of Age of Empires: Definitive Edition. We’re excited to have you with us!

See you in the beta!

Best,

The Age of Empires: Definitive Edition team