The Legendary Journey of Age of Empires: A Cultural Phenomenon in Vietnam
Age of Empires (AoE) has marked the beginning of a long journey in the realm of strategic real-time computer games, evolving into a cultural phenomenon cherished by players worldwide. The game invites players to build and manage civilizations from ancient times through various historical eras. Players must develop economies, train armies, and employ strategies to defeat opponents. Upon its launch, AoE quickly became a “cult” favorite among gaming enthusiasts globally. Despite Vietnam’s technological infrastructure being relatively underdeveloped at the time, AoE managed to penetrate successfully and was affectionately dubbed “Đế Chế” (Empire).
In local LAN gaming centers (the predecessors of modern internet cafes), where players often gathered in close quarters, the aroma of smoke mixed with excitement as matches of “Đế Chế” became a popular fixture. Even as the internet began to expand and new games were released, “Đế Chế” maintained its status and became a “national game” among students, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s. More broadly, since its debut, “Đế Chế” has evolved into one of the most popular games, not just in Vietnam but also in China and around the world.
The Unique Appeal of AoE
Understanding the attraction of AoE is not difficult. Over the past three decades, numerous articles and analyses have attempted to dissect this phenomenon. Key elements include AoE’s immersive gameplay, which creates a friendly and engaging atmosphere; the gameplay mirrors real historical events and cultural developments through various time periods; and it challenges players to blend strategy and resource management effectively. Moreover, the game’s simplicity and accessibility have made it easy for newcomers to engage with. Additionally, AoE serves as a multiplayer strategy game that fosters community and camaraderie among players, enhancing the dopamine rush during competitive matches. Finally, the ever-evolving community, driven by creative player styles, has kept the game vibrant and refreshing. The introduction of the “Three No’s” rule has allowed matches to become more dynamic and culturally relevant, resonating well with players in Vietnam.
Thus, AoE has been organically crafted for the Vietnamese audience. The deep-rooted passion of the Vietnamese gaming community has helped AoE to survive and thrive for nearly 30 years. As mentioned earlier, since its “initial launch,” when AoE first entered Vietnam, players have been able to face off against each other in local net cafes. Alongside the fun matches, competitive tournaments have emerged, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie among players.
Formation and Development of the Community
With the development of the internet and information technology, gaming communities and competitive teams began to form in various regions, often hosting competitions. Cities like Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Thai Binh have been recognized as hotspots of AoE activity. Yet, Hanoi remains the most prominent center, home to many prestigious universities, and notable players with nicknames such as Thành Tâm, sathudaucomu, Germany, Romance, Magician, Linda, Longthieugia, and more. Teams like Trần Xuân Soạn, Cầu Khí, Tam Giác Bách Khoa, Tô Hiến Thành, Dương Quảng Hàm, Chúy Lông, and Song Long have all contributed to the vibrant community. Between 2007-2009, numerous tournaments attracted significant interest from fans, including the AoE Miền Bắc and Giải vô địch Solo Assyrian – Vũ điệu cung R.
By 2010, AoE in Vietnam began to transition into a more professional phase with the emergence of prominent teams like GameTV, competing against clans such as Trường Phát, Thái Bình, and Indoorgame. During this period, AoE faced competition from countless online games introduced to Vietnam. However, the direct streaming of competitive matches created a spectacle for fans, allowing them to follow major tournaments and witness top-tier gameplay. The years 2011 – 2017 are often regarded as the golden age of AoE in Vietnam, with numerous large-scale tournaments and the rise of popular players like ChipBoy, Vanelove, Gunny, BiBi, HeHe, Hồng Anh, and notably, Chim Sẻ Đi Nắng.
During this period, it is essential to mention the events that marked significant milestones for the AoE community, particularly the Vietnam-China AoE tournaments. The opening of the Vietnam-China AoE tournament in Quảng Châu in October 2011 saw the Vietnamese team competing against China’s top players. Following this, the Vietnam-China GameTV Lenovo Cup in December 2011 led to greater cooperation between the two countries in gaming and laid the groundwork for future tournaments.
Notably, in 2024, the AoE Vietnam-China tournament organized by Thiên Khôi Esports (Thiên Khôi Group) set a record for the largest prize pool, exceeding 1 trillion VND. Compared to other tournaments that focus on community values, such as the AoE Bé Yêu Cup or the Hà Nội Open, the AoE Vietnam-China tournaments have become a grand stage, fostering significant connections within the AoE community. In conclusion, competitive gaming in Vietnam continues to thrive, characterized by vibrant colors and a steadfast commitment to excellence, inspiring players to pursue high-stakes matches, excitement, and emotions.
AoE – The Unforgettable Legend
To this day, AoE is approaching its 30th anniversary. As three decades pass, the formation and development of the AoE community in Vietnam has faced numerous challenges and significant transformations but remains the longest-standing gaming community, earning a prominent place in the hearts of fans. The AoE community in Vietnam, from players to clans, has come together to cultivate a vibrant gaming culture, ensuring that AoE continues to thrive as a cherished legend in the gaming landscape.
