Pls don't delete admins, I'm not asking how to get a free copy.
Microsoft have shown they are willing to go with a hybrid model of paid and free (Halo Infinite), radically I wonder if the same thing for AOE2 could help fix the lack of online players on ladder? They're a business so it might be hard to make the whole game free but Art of War and online ladder only (not custom lobbies) could help pump a bit of life into the game.
This doesn't directly address the lack of top end players but who knows, with a larger lower skill level scene maybe we see more players come through to the top level after some time. Players who aren't from the Voobly lobby only days, players whose first experience isn't 1000 hours against the AI, a.k.a players who are more likely to stay on ladder as their main way to play AOE2.
It might also lead to extra sales for Microsoft, maybe they try it and want to make custom lobbies, or give campaign a go?
I doubt this happens but who knows.
Microsoft have shown they are willing to go with a hybrid model of paid and free (Halo Infinite), radically I wonder if the same thing for AOE2 could help fix the lack of online players on ladder? They're a business so it might be hard to make the whole game free but Art of War and online ladder only (not custom lobbies) could help pump a bit of life into the game.
This doesn't directly address the lack of top end players but who knows, with a larger lower skill level scene maybe we see more players come through to the top level after some time. Players who aren't from the Voobly lobby only days, players whose first experience isn't 1000 hours against the AI, a.k.a players who are more likely to stay on ladder as their main way to play AOE2.
It might also lead to extra sales for Microsoft, maybe they try it and want to make custom lobbies, or give campaign a go?
I doubt this happens but who knows.