I haven't tested this out, but apparently the lobby issues are being resolved:
> Today’s hotfix is aimed at addressing potential issues causing delays in lobby creation, party join and session start wait durations.
- https://www.ageofempires.com/news/aoeii-hotfix-53347/
> Today’s hotfix is aimed at addressing potential issues causing delays in lobby creation, party join and session start wait durations.
- https://www.ageofempires.com/news/aoeii-hotfix-53347/