I think this could be an idea for a reimagining of the first Anno game for maybe a 30th anniversary. A region of the old world that is small, cramped, and desperate for resources. The new world which is lush with material, and the far east, already ruled by strong empires but the richest on the planet. Maybe have the option to either conquer land in the new world or the east or have the option to buy treaty ports. Doing so would cost more money but would leave ai trading posts with unique specialists and cheap building materials.