New World: Our intention is to keep servers operating through 2026 – says Amazon after layoffs

Following the recent significant layoffs at Amazon Games Studios, which included the Irvine and San Diego studios responsible for New World and their unreleased Lord of the Rings MMO, the future of New World has become clear. We anticipated a shift in development, and that shift has now occurred.

The game will not be shut down or sold, but it is transitioning into maintenance mode, at least for the foreseeable future.

According to an announcement, “After four years of steady content updates and a major new console release, we’ve reached a point where it is no longer sustainable to continue supporting the game with new content updates.”

“The recently launched Season 10 and Nighthaven update will serve as the final content release for New World on PC and consoles. It is only after much consideration that we’ve reached this decision. To thank you, the New World community, for your support over the years, we have made the Nighthaven release available to you for free. To ensure all New World players can experience this content, we also made Rise of the Angry Earth free for all PC players. In the coming months, we will provide more details on what to expect and other essential information. Rest assured, our intention is to keep servers operating through 2026, allowing our community time to continue their adventures in Aeternum. Additionally, New World: Aeternum will still be downloadable for PlayStation Plus members (Extra and Premium).”

Amazon emphasizes that the game is not being sunset and will provide a “minimum of six months’ notice” before any potential shutdown. The game and its cash-shop currencies will remain available for purchase. While new content updates are ceasing, the remaining developers will focus on “continue to keep the game running smoothly.”

We have reached out to Amazon PR for further clarification on the status of their other titles and will provide updates as we receive them.