Age of Empires IV is a real-time strategy game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. It brings the iconic RTS franchise into the modern era with asymmetric civilization design, documentary-style historical content, and a refined competitive multiplayer experience. The game balances accessibility for new players with the strategic depth expected by the competitive RTS community.
- I was given the monumental yet exciting challenge of bringing Age IV to console and controllers.
- Prototyped and designed UI/UX, from menus and HUD to gameplay interfaces and mechanics.
- Acted in a key client-facing role, owning all design deliverables and quality.
- Worked closely with Worlds Edge leadership to craft the console experience.
- Liaised with Microsoft UR and analytics teams - taking data and turning it into executable design iteration.
Full UI/UX Design — Designed, wireframed, prototyped, and ultimately delivered the full console UI/UX - from FE menus and settings to in-game HUD and console mechanics.
Design Leadership — Led a team of designers creating workflows, guiding vision, designing content and systems, and getting hands-on in engine to implement new systems for console - whilst serving as the go-to design liaison between Climax and Worlds Edge.
UR & Data — Participated in rounds of UR and playtesting, then turned data and feedback into tangible design and solutions for implementation.
- Metacritic scores across console beating those for original PC platform.
- Brought the Age franchise to console gamers with a focus on accessibility and onboarding for a hardcore RTS.
- Sustained competitive community post-launch with regular balance updates and seasonal content.
