In that sense it wouldn't be big practically in most countries but I think OP refers to it that it enjoyed a huge popularity back then and now with AOE DE peopl

In that sense it wouldn't be big practically in most countries but I think OP refers to it that it enjoyed a huge popularity back then and now with AOE DE people (probably of the age bracket that played it back then) do absolutely play it in large numbers. Anecdotically, I know a lot of people who do.