Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Amazon has stopped development on New World, with Nighthaven being the final major update for the game.
- The servers will remain online until at least 2026, and players will receive a six-month notice before any significant changes occur.
- New World remains available for purchase, with buyers receiving in-game currency and the Nighthaven content for free.
- Amazon plans to continue pursuing strategic projects such as Tomb Raider and another open-world game.
Amazon Halts Further Development on New World, Focus Shifts After Job Cuts and Major Project Adjustments
Amazon has halted development on New World, the large-scale MMO that launched last year. This is a significant shift for Amazon Games, which is undergoing major changes following recent job cuts. The latest season and update, Nighthaven, will be the final major additions to the game on PC and consoles. Although no new content is planned, the servers will remain online until at least 2026. Players will receive a six-month notice before any significant changes occur. New World remains available for purchase, and buyers will receive in-game currency and the Nighthaven content for free. PlayStation Plus subscribers can still download the game. Amazon stated that maintaining four years of updates and a console launch proved too challenging to continue adding new content. Shortly after confirming a second round of layoffs—impacting over 14,000 corporate positions—Amazon released an official statement. The Game Studios divisions in Irvine and San Diego were heavily affected, including teams working on New World and the unannounced Lord of the Rings MMO. Steve Boom, VP of Audio, Twitch, and Games, assured employees that Amazon would continue to pursue strategic projects such as Tomb Raider and another open-world game.
Amazon Ends Support for New World, Concluding MMO Journey in Aeternum
The New World team expressed their gratitude to the player base, stating, “Your dedication made this journey unforgettable. It was an honor sharing Aeternum with you.” With support ending, New World’s journey as one of the few recently launched, high-budget MMOs has officially concluded.
In Case You Missed It
In our latest posts, we’ve got a trio of reads that’ll keep you at the pulse of gaming news. First up is Bruno Pferd’s analysis of Capcom’s fiscal year 2025 results (“Capcom Enjoys Another Exceptional Semester”), where he explores how their focus on established franchises and eSports initiatives has led to impressive profits, with Devil May Cry 5 surprising everyone with its success Capcom Enjoys Another Exceptional Semester, Profit Nearly Doubles as Devil May Cry 5 Surprises. Next, Sophie Laurent takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of canceled projects with “Images Reveal Canceled Bluepoint Games’ God of War.” Dive into approximately twenty images that offer an intriguing glimpse into what could have been for this untitled multiplayer project, reconnecting with the franchise’s Hellenic roots and centering around Hades Images Reveal Canceled Bluepoint Games’ God of War. Lastly, Bruno Pferd returns to discuss a significant shakeup at Amazon Gaming in “Amazon to Cut 14,000 Jobs.” He examines the company’s plans to dismiss around 14,000 employees across various teams and explores how this restructuring effort could reshape the industry Amazon to Cut 14,000 Jobs, Making Significant Cuts in Gaming Division.