Amazon Shuts Down New World: Aeternum After Turbulent Run

amazon Games announced it will close the servers for its massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), New World: Aeternum, at the end of January. This decision marks the end of a challenging period for the game and Amazon’s ambitions in the online gaming market.

New World launched in September 2021, aiming to capture players with its promise of a sandbox experience set in a 17th-century colonial America-inspired world. The game initially drew a large player base, but faced notable hurdles, including server issues, exploits, and criticisms regarding gameplay balance.Amazon worked to address these problems with numerous updates and patches, but struggled to retain players long-term.

The closure of New World: Aeternum highlights the difficulties of creating and maintaining successful live-service games. The online gaming landscape is highly competitive, and requires continuous investment in content, updates, and community support to keep players engaged. Despite Amazon’s resources, New World couldn’t overcome these challenges.

Players who purchased New World are eligible for refunds. Amazon has provided details on its website regarding the refund process and timeline. The company has not yet announced any plans for the New World intellectual property, leaving its future uncertain.

This shutdown follows a trend of other ambitious game projects being discontinued, demonstrating the risks inherent in game advancement. The industry is constantly evolving, and even large companies like Amazon can face setbacks.