Rust Director Proposes $25M Deal to Amazon for New World MMO Rescue
Amazon Game Studios has announced plans to shut down its MMORPG, New World: Aeternum, with servers set to go offline at the end of January. The game was also removed from all console and PC storefronts, making it unavailable for new purchases. At launch, New World nearly reached 1 million concurrent users on Steam. However, its player base quickly dwindled due to uninspiring quests and lack of engaging endgame content.
Alistair McFarlane’s $25 Million Proposal
In a surprising twist, Alistair McFarlane, COO and director of Rust developer Facepunch Studios, has made a $25 million offer to Amazon to acquire New World. McFarlane expressed his belief that “games should never die,” suggesting a commitment to revitalizing the title.
Community Empowerment
McFarlane emphasized the importance of community involvement in keeping games alive. He proposed allowing players to host their own servers, a strategy that has been effective at Facepunch. This approach encourages long-term engagement and support among dedicated fans.
Reactions from Other Developers
Other developers have reacted to McFarlane’s proposal. Bucky, communications director for Palworld, humorously offered to co-invest in the purchase if the original New World alpha could be released as a separate mode. Simon Collins-Laflamme, creator of the sandbox RPG Hytale, also reached out to McFarlane, offering advice on navigating acquisitions of canceled games.
Challenges Ahead
While McFarlane’s bid makes headlines, New World faces numerous challenges. Despite its issues, some players enjoyed aspects of the game, such as its graphics, combat mechanics, and the thrill of large-scale 50v50 PvP battles. The future of New World remains uncertain, with McFarlane humorously sharing updates about his snack deliveries while awaiting Amazon’s response to his offer.
- Game: New World: Aeternum
- Developer: Amazon Game Studios
- Offer: $25 million by Alistair McFarlane
- Shutdown Date: End of January
- Launch Peak Users: Nearly 1 million concurrent on Steam
As the gaming community waits to see if McFarlane’s proposal gains traction, discussions about the potential for New World to be saved continue. Will Amazon consider the offer, or is it just a whimsical suggestion? Only time will reveal the outcome.
