Earnest Yuen is one of Microsoft's longest-serving gaming veterans and has been a key figure at the company, with work dating back to Windows 95. During his 31-year career, he contributed to more than 50 games and products. Today, however, Yuen announced his departure from Microsoft on LinkedIn, sharing some heartfelt thoughts about his time at Microsoft.

“After 31 years at Microsoft, I’ve decided it’s time to begin a new adventure: retirement.

When I joined in 1994, the internet was still finding its feet, game development looked very different, and I certainly didn’t expect that more than three decades later I’d still be having this much fun working with incredibly talented people…

To everyone I’ve worked with at Microsoft, XBOX, World’s Edge, and across the gaming industry, thank you. Your trust, partnership, support, and above all, your friendship, have meant more than you know.”

Guiding the Age of Empires resurgence

Yuen is perhaps best known for his work on the Age of Empires franchise, helping guide the series through the resurgence it has enjoyed in recent years. He became one of the public faces of the franchise, working on projects ranging from Age of Empires: Definitive Edition to the most recent release, Age of Mythology: Retold.

In his retirement announcement, Yuen also shared what comes next, outlining plans that many gamers can probably appreciate.

“As for what’s next? More time with family, new adventures, some long-neglected hobbies, and maybe, for the first time in decades, playing games with absolutely no production meetings attached. I’ll of course still enjoy catching up with friends about games, the business, and long careers, just with a lighter touch on the calendar and fewer things that require slides.

I leave feeling grateful, proud, and excited for what comes next, for myself and for the teams carrying things forward.

Thank you for being part of this fantastic journey.”

It'll be sad to see Yuen go. I actually have rather fond memories of the Age of Empires franchise from when I was a little kid. Games like Age of Empires and Civilization are ones I remember playing with my dad on our old PC in the front room, so seeing the franchise enjoy such a massive resurgence thanks in part to Yuen's work has always put a smile on my face.

With that, I wish him all the best in whatever comes next. If Yuen or Age of Empires have meant anything to you over the years, I'd love to hear about it in the comments, and be sure to take part in our poll below!

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Adam is a Psychology Master’s graduate passionate about gaming, community building, and digital engagement. A lifelong Xbox fan since 2001, he started with Halo: Combat Evolved and remains an avid achievement hunter. Over the years, he has engaged with several Discord communities, helping them get established and grow. Gaming has always been more than a hobby for Adam—it’s where he’s met many friends, taken on new challenges, and connected with communities that share his passion.