Age of Empires going mobile, other Microsoft ports unconfirmed

Microsoft has confirmed reports it has greenlit Android, iOS and Windows Mobile ports of Age of Empires, but shied away from reports of various first-party properties like Halo also making the jump.

The news broke via Reuters, citing a Nikkei report. The port comes courtesy of Japanese developer KLab, which saw an 18% spike in share price after word got out.

The mobile version of Age of Empires is due before the end of March for Android and iPhone in English, with other language options and a Windows Phone release to follow.

When the report first ran, Reuters believed Microsoft was bringing other franchises to phones, but Microsoft has denied the rumours.

Microsoft later confirmed the news in a statement published on Polygon:

"Today, KLab Inc. announced a licensing agreement with Microsoft Corp. to develop a mobile version of Microsoft Studio's Age of Empires franchise, which will be initially developed in English for iOS and Android and launched globally, with plans to release the game in other languages and on Windows Phone in the future.

"Some reports included incorrect information about additional Xbox Live-based games on iOS and Android but there are no further announcements beyond Age of Empires at this time."

KLab's previous games include Arcadia, Lord of the Dragons and Gigabot Wars.

Thanks, Engadget.