New World Enters Maintenance Mode: What It Means for Players and the Game’s Future Through 2026

Amazon is making big changes at its gaming division. Recently, the company announced layoffs affecting over 14,000 employees, which include the closure of its Irvine and San Diego studios. These studios were behind popular titles like New World and the unfinished Lord of the Rings MMO. With such a significant reduction in staff, many fans feared for the future of New World.

Now, we have some clarity. While New World isn’t being shut down or sold, it’s moving into “maintenance mode.” This means there won’t be new content updates moving forward, but the game will still be available for players.

According to the development team, “After four years of consistent updates and a major console launch, it is no longer sustainable to continue supporting the game with new content.” The latest patch, Season 10 and the Nighthaven update, will be the final one for both PC and consoles. As a gesture of thanks to the players, Amazon is offering this update for free and has also made previous content available to all PC players.

While updates are stopping, the team assures players that servers will remain operational through 2026. They also promise to keep the game running smoothly, even without new content. Importantly, Amazon has stated it will provide at least six months’ notice before any shutdown occurs.

As of now, players can still purchase the game and its in-game currencies, although it’s worth noting that some users have reported it currently isn’t available for purchase on Steam.

In the broader context, the gaming industry has been shifting, with many companies reassessing their portfolios. A recent report from the Entertainment Software Association indicated that over 50% of gamers are playing less than before, likely due to economic pressures. This trend underscores the increased scrutiny on game support and longevity.

Amazon affirmed that it will continue to back titles like Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark with regular updates. But, answers remain unclear about the future of the Lord of the Rings MMO, which many hope will still see the light of day.

As the gaming landscape evolves, it’s essential for companies to keep in touch with player needs and market trends. Will Amazon pivot again? Only time will tell.

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