Microsoft announces Age of Empires Online, a PC-only persistent version of the popular Age of Empires real-time strategy series that will feature free online play through Games for Windows LIVE. The game is currently in closed beta and expected to launch next year, and the Age of Empires Online Website is live, offering beta signups, and featuring a teaser trailer showing off gameplay and the game's stylized graphics. Also, Computer and Video Games reports Microsoft telling them that AoE vets are on board for this. "I'd say about 75% of the team have worked on Age of Empires before," Microsoft Game Studios GM Dave Luehmann tells them. "So it's the core team that you can feel comfortable with and who are well skilled with Age [of Empires]." Here's a bit from the announcement:

“Age of Empires Online” will invite players to create a living, growing online world, shared with friends and friendly rivals around the globe. Begin the journey with your own Greek civilisation, and watch as it progresses from a village to an empire. Embark on quests along the way, alone or with friends, and immerse yourself in epic tales, quirky characters, adventure, history and strategy. Together with the Games for Windows – LIVE service, “Age of Empires Online” delivers a rich, social experience that lets you play however you want — anywhere, anytime.