Ensemble, the world renowned developers behind the hit series Age of Empires. Will be dissolved by Microsoft on the completion of their current project. Halo Wars. While most of the employees will be forming a new development house the loss of a very old and skilled studio truly is sad.

Farewell Ensemble!

Confirmation has come fast in regard to rumors surfacing earlier today that Microsoft would be closing its internal developer Ensemble Studios upon the completion of sci-fi real-time strategy game Halo Wars. In a statement issued today, Microsoft confirmed that Ensemble will be shut down once the Xbox 360-exclusive RTS set in the best-selling Halo franchise ships out early next year.

Bale Fire via au.gamespot.com »