Players are voicing their frustration about Age of Mythology Retold, claiming that Forgotten Empires and Xbox Game Studios have placed a previously free feature behind a paywall. This move is upsetting buyers of the premium edition in particular.
The complaints focus on content that players believe was part of the original Age of Mythology for free, but now requires an extra purchase in Retold. Those who bought the premium edition feel especially let down, considering they paid more than the standard $29.99 Steam price expecting a comprehensive package.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Retold boasts a 90% positive rating across its 10,706 Steam reviews. While that’s solid overall, it’s hiding a more chaotic recent trend as the controversy over the paywalled feature gains attention. Currently, the game has 2,149 concurrent players, a number that suggests it’s settling into a post-launch routine rather than maintaining strong momentum.
Forgotten Empires has earned respect for managing classic RTS titles, including its long-term support for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. This history gave many fans confidence ahead of Retold’s launch. However, decisions that seem to reduce value compared to the 2002 original could jeopardize the goodwill the studio has built with the Age of Empires community over the last decade.
As of now, Xbox Game Studios hasn’t made any public comments regarding the complaints about the paid feature. Without a clear response, speculation about whether they’ll reverse the change or offer compensation is running rampant on Steam forums and community boards.
| Steam Review Score | 90% positive |
| Total Steam Reviews | 10,706 |
| Current Steam Price | $29.99 |
| Current Concurrent Players | 2,149 |
| Developer | Forgotten Empires |
Community frustration has been clear and consistent. One reviewer on Steam stated, “Making people pay for a feature that was free last game is not it — what was the point in buying premium edition?” This sentiment has been echoed in numerous recent reviews, indicating that it’s not just a single complaint but a coordinated reaction from a particular segment of players.
What To Watch
- Whether Forgotten Empires or Xbox Game Studios will issue an official statement addressing the paywalled feature and any possible compensation for premium edition buyers.
- The trend of the Steam review score — a continuous wave of negative reviews could pull the 90% overall rating down and impact the game’s visibility in store algorithms.
- Whether this controversy will influence pricing strategies for upcoming DLC or updates, especially since player trust in monetization is now a pressing concern for this community.
