Amazon Games has announced significant changes to its operations, part of a larger restructuring initiative that includes the reduction of 14,000 jobs across the company. This decision marks a turning point for the company’s gaming division, particularly concerning its MMO, New World: Aeternum.
Amazon Ceases ‘New World’ Updates
The company has confirmed that New World will not receive any further content updates beyond the recently launched Season 10 and Nighthaven update. This move signifies a halt in the development of first-party AAA games, especially focusing on massive multiplayer online games (MMOs).
Future of New World: Aeternum
- New World is expected to remain available for purchase.
- Players can still buy in-game currency, although its value may diminish.
- The game will receive support until the end of 2026, including server maintenance and bug fixes.
- Amazon Games will continue some in-game events, such as world bosses and seasonal activities.
Despite its initial success, which peaked at 60,000 concurrent players, New World struggled with player retention. The game’s engagement levels have fluctuated, raising concerns about its future viability. Players can still enjoy the game in the short term, but Amazon’s commitment to the servers only extends through 2026.
Community Support and Future Considerations
As a gesture of appreciation for the community, Amazon has made the Nighthaven release and the Rise of the Angry Earth expansion available for free to all players on PC. However, many in the community are questioning the game’s future, particularly regarding in-game purchases in an environment that lacks ongoing new content.
Amazon promises to provide a minimum of six months’ notice before any major changes that would affect gameplay occur. Further details on the operational timeline will be disclosed in the coming months. The gaming community is advised to keep an eye on the developments surrounding New World: Aeternum.
