Microsoft’s next foray into the world of free-to-play online gaming, Age of Empires Online, has received an official release date, but don’t be fooled - this is no Facebook experiment.

Imbued with the rich heritage of the Age of Empires series of strategy games, and meticulously crafted by both Robot Entertainment (formed by Ensemble Studios members) and Gas Powered Games (home of strategy master Chris Taylor), Age of Empires Online is a fully-featured strategy and civilisation building game.

With the launch of Age of Empires Online, the game will include two civilisations, the Greeks and the Egyptians, both of which will allow you to experience the game’s “new social interaction, customization, and MMORPG gameplay in an evolving and persistent world” while playing as two of the greatest empires ever known to planet Earth!

Age of Empires Online will be available to download online, and will also show up at retail stores. You’ll be able to beef up the game’s content with paid Premium Content Packs, which will allow you to gain “entirely new civilizations to Booster Packs with new game modes and more.”

The game will be playable both cooperatively and competitively, (Age of Empires Online Gold)with options to craft and trade items with friends (and enemies) while levelling up your in-game career by completing quests.

“Plus,” reads a press release, “Age of Empires Online still offers all the classic RTS gameplay, empowering players to build mighty empires, manage resources, earn rewards, and battle their way into rich new worlds full of lively villagers, epic warriors, and historically-themed architecture.”