AoE:DE - Shared controls ("Play as the same player") missing!

My friend and I have been playing AoE together since 1997, both I and II. For the last 15 years or so we've been playing as the same player. It's us against the world, and by that I mean 7 other AIs.

We were thrilled to learn that the original AoE was making a return, and the "new" game is great! Runs smooth with much better graphics and better zoom levels.

But no shared controls anymore! :(

Are we missing something or is the game missing something?
Can we expect this to make a return sooner or later?