Forgotten Empires

Forgotten Empires

Remasters, expands RTS games for publishers

Overview

Forgotten Empires develops content, expansions, and definitive editions for established real-time strategy games, with a focus on Age of Empires. They provide end-to-end development for publishers, including new civilizations, campaigns, artwork, and large technical overhauls to run on modern hardware. They work on a work-for-hire or co-development model with publishers like Microsoft/Xbox Game Studios to remaster and expand classic titles. Originating from a fan-mod community, they bring deep knowledge of player expectations and, as part of Keywords Studios, gain resources while preserving creative autonomy.

About Forgotten Empires

Simplify's Rating
Why Forgotten Empires is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Consumer Software

Entertainment

Gaming

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

Acquired

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Cincinnati, Ohio

Founded

2012

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The Viking Sagas expansion is coming soon, with a fall 2026 release window.
  • Age of Mythology: Retold added Obsidian Mirror in April 2026, extending live revenue.
  • Age of Mythology: Retold still shows Very Positive Steam reviews as of August 8, 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Keywords Studios cut 128 San Francisco jobs in June 2026, signaling portfolio pressure.
  • Forgotten Empires depends on Microsoft’s Age pipeline; one franchise reset would collapse demand.
  • RTS remaster work stays hit-driven; a weak Viking Sagas launch damages future contract renewals.

What makes Forgotten Empires unique

  • Founded by Age of Empires modders, Forgotten Empires knows the franchise’s player base intimately.
  • Ryan Shepherd still leads Microsoft co-development across Age of Empires and Age of Mythology.
  • The studio specializes in definitive editions, expansions, and cross-platform RTS modernization.

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Funding

Total Funding

$0

Below

Industry Average

Funded Over

1 Rounds

Acquisition funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Acquisition Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Company News

hi-Tech.ua
Aug 3rd, 2026
Age of Empires II gets The Viking Sagas expansion with three new civilizations.

Age of Empires II gets The Viking Sagas expansion with three new civilizations. Studios World's Edge and Forgotten Empires continue to develop the legendary strategy game Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. The upcoming expansion, The Viking Sagas, scheduled for release this autumn, will bring new content to the game, focusing on the Scandinavian expansion of the early Middle Ages. The Viking Sagas expansion. The main innovation will be three factions: Danes, Saxons, and Varangians. Each of them possesses unique characteristics and tactical features that will diversify the gameplay. The expansion also offers three interconnected campaigns telling the story of Harald Hardrada - from his travels to the struggle for the English throne. Gameplay features and new units. Each side has received its own unique tools for warfare. The Danes rely on the sea, the Saxons fortify their borders, and the Varangians use powerful cavalry. Faction features: * Danes: dominance on the water thanks to fast longships; unique unit - Jomsviking (capable of burning buildings). * Saxons: focus on defense and fortified settlements; unique unit - heavy infantryman with a javelin throw. * Varangians: control of waterways; unique unit - Jarl (cavalryman with throwing axes). Three universal units available to the new factions are also introduced: Varangian Guard (assault infantry), horse archers, and longships. Story campaigns for Harald Hardrada. Harald's story is divided into three logical parts: * "Prince in Exile" (Varangians): the search for glory and conflicts with Empress Zoe. * "Cruel Ruler" (Danes): a fierce struggle for power and the transformation from a leader into a tyrant. * "The Last Viking" (Saxons): the culmination of Harald's life path and his invasion of England. Is the DLC worth buying? The Viking Sagas will be one of the largest historical expansions for Age of Empires II in recent times. The new civilizations and campaigns should interest both fans of the series and players who appreciate tactical variety and historical atmosphere. The project is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series. You can purchase the game through official stores, including Steam. Don't miss interesting news

Forgotten Empires
Jun 9th, 2022
Forgotten Empires partners with Microsoft Corporation

The mod gained a lot of attention from the community and Forgotten Empires eventually worked together with Microsoft to officially bring the mod to Steam to be part of “Age of Empires II: HD”.

Game Developer
Jun 8th, 2022
Keywords Studios Plc acquires Forgotten Empires for $32.5M

Keywords Studios has acquired Age of Empires developer Forgotten Empires for $32.5 million.

Proactive Investors
Jun 8th, 2022
Keywords snaps up Age of Empires game developer for US$32.5mln

The acquisition is part of its strategy to become the 'go to' technical and creative services platform in video gaming

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