In an extraordinary display of dedication to its classic titles, Petroglyph Games has breathed new life into “Star Wars: Empire at War,” a beloved real-time strategy game, 17 years post its original release. This enduring title, set in the pivotal era between “Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith” and “Episode 4 – A New Hope,” has received significant updates, including a transition to a 64-bit application and crucial gameplay enhancements. These updates not only address long-standing bugs and performance issues but also rekindle interest in the game’s modding community, promising a revitalized experience for both loyal fans and new players alike. As “Empire at War” continues to maintain a strong player base, these developments spark curiosity about Petroglyph’s future plans, potentially hinting at a sequel or remake in the works.
Introduction
“Star Wars: Empire at War,” the classic real-time strategy game developed by Petroglyph, is making headlines again, 17 years after its initial release. The game, set in the Star Wars universe between Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith and Episode 4 – A New Hope, has received a series of surprising updates, rejuvenating the experience for its dedicated fan base.
Recent Updates
Maintenance Patch
Earlier in November 2023, “Empire at War” received a maintenance patch that addressed minor bug fixes, player balance changes, and optimized performance. This update was a precursor to more significant changes.
Major Patch
The most substantial update came shortly after, with Petroglyph converting both “Empire at War” and its expansion “Forces of Corruption” from 32-bit to 64-bit applications. This change is expected to resolve many out-of-memory bugs and crashes that players were experiencing.
Multiplayer and Gameplay Fixes
The update also tackled multiplayer out-of-sync issues, enhancing stability, and introduced numerous gameplay fixes. These adjustments addressed balance and incorrect unit behavior, significantly improving the overall gaming experience.
Renewed Interest in Modding
The switch to a 64-bit application has sparked excitement among the game’s modding community. This technical upgrade opens up new possibilities for modders, potentially leading to a resurgence in custom content and modifications.
Loyal Player Base
Despite its age, “Star Wars: Empire at War” maintains a loyal player base, with around 2,000 concurrent players on Steam. This enduring popularity ensures a functional multiplayer environment and a vibrant community.
Future Speculations
Fans are now speculating whether Petroglyph might be planning a remake or a sequel, given the increased attention to “Empire at War” in recent years. While nothing has been confirmed, the ongoing support for such an old game is impressive.
Petroglyph’s Recent Endeavors
Petroglyph’s most recent releases include “The Great War: Western Front” for Frontier’s now-shuttered third-party publishing division and the well-received “Command & Conquer Remastered Collection” in 2020.
Conclusion
The continued support and recent updates for “Star Wars: Empire at War” demonstrate Petroglyph’s commitment to its classic titles and the game’s enduring appeal. These updates not only enhance the gaming experience for current players but also invite new players to explore this iconic Star Wars RTS.
FAQ: Star Wars: Empire at War Updates
What is “Star Wars: Empire at War”?
“Star Wars: Empire at War” is a real-time strategy game set in the Star Wars universe, originally released 17 years ago. It covers the period between Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith and Episode 4 – A New Hope.
What are the recent updates to the game?
The game has received significant updates, including a transition from a 32-bit to a 64-bit application, bug fixes, player balance changes, and gameplay enhancements.
Why is the 64-bit upgrade important?
The 64-bit upgrade is crucial as it resolves many out-of-memory bugs and crashes, improving the game’s performance and stability.
How do these updates affect the multiplayer aspect?
The updates have addressed multiplayer out-of-sync issues, enhancing the stability and overall experience of multiplayer gameplay.
Are there any changes to gameplay?
Yes, the updates include numerous gameplay fixes that address balance issues and incorrect unit behavior, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Has the modding community been affected by these updates?
The switch to a 64-bit application has reinvigorated the modding community, opening up new possibilities for custom content and modifications.
How popular is the game currently?
“Star Wars: Empire at War” maintains a loyal player base, with around 2,000 concurrent players on Steam, ensuring a functional multiplayer environment.
Is there any speculation about a sequel or remake?
Fans are speculating about the possibility of a sequel or a remake, given the recent attention and updates to the game. However, nothing has been officially confirmed.
What other games has Petroglyph developed recently?
Petroglyph’s recent releases include “The Great War: Western Front” and the “Command & Conquer Remastered Collection.”
Where can I find more information about the updates?
For more detailed information about the updates, you can visit the official “Star Wars: Empire at War” website or follow Petroglyph’s announcements on their social media channels.