Amazon’s Promising MMO Shuts Down After Strong Launch
Amazon Games has confirmed that their massively multiplayer online game (MMO) New World: Aeternum will cease operations on January 31, 2027. This closure comes after a series of announcements regarding a lack of new content following the Nighthaven seasonal update from 2025.
Timeline of Events
New World was initially launched in September 2021 for PC and made its way to consoles by October 2024. Upon release, the game saw tremendous success, boasting over 900,000 concurrent users at its peak. However, its player base has declined significantly since then, now averaging about 1,100 concurrent players on Steam.
- Launch Date: September 2021 (PC); October 2024 (Consoles)
- Peak Concurrent Users: Over 900,000
- Current Average Players: Approximately 1,100 on Steam
- Game Shutdown Date: January 31, 2027
- Delisting Date: January 15, 2027
Community Response and Developer Statements
Amazon expressed gratitude towards the player community in their announcement. They stated, “We are grateful for the time spent crafting the world of Aeternum with you.” The developer acknowledged the emotional aspect of this decline, stating they were saddened to say goodbye.
Future of the Game
Although no new content will be introduced, Amazon confirmed that they will continue to monitor New World for bugs and performance issues until the game shuts down. They will also maintain the sale of microtransactions until July 19, 2026. After this date, the in-game currency, Marks of Fortune, will no longer be available for purchase, and there will be no refunds for any remaining balance.
Amazon’s Gaming Challenges
This announcement highlights the ongoing challenges facing Amazon Games. The company has struggled with several titles, including the cancellation of its free-to-play shooter Crucible and the halted development of a Lord of the Rings MMO due to contractual disputes. Furthermore, the cancellation of the game Breakaway adds to the theme of mismanagement within their gaming division, as reported by Bloomberg.
Despite these challenges, Amazon has not completely withdrawn from gaming. They are actively publishing upcoming titles, including Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst, indicating their continued investment in the gaming industry.
