Amazon Axes Lord of the Rings MMO Amidst Layoffs
In a move that’s sure to disappoint fans of Middle-earth, Amazon has reportedly canceled its planned Lord of the Rings MMO. This decision comes amidst significant layoffs within Amazon Games, signaling a shift in the company’s MMO strategy. According to a report by The Verge, the project, developed in collaboration with Embracer, has been halted as Amazon reevaluates its focus within the gaming sector.
Layoffs and Project Cancellations
The news broke this week, with an Amazon executive confirming the company is scaling back its MMO development efforts. A former senior gameplay engineer for Amazon Games shared on LinkedIn that they were part of the layoffs, alongside colleagues working on New World and the Lord of the Rings game. While the post is currently unavailable, the information underscores the impact of these changes. In 2023, the LOTR game was announced. This marks the second time Amazon has tried to launch an MMO in the Lord of the Rings universe; the first one was canceled two years later, in 2021.
The Future of Amazon Games
The cancellation of the Lord of the Rings MMO raises questions about Amazon’s long-term strategy in the gaming industry. While the LOTR game is still listed on the Amazon Games website, its future appears bleak. Amazon will continue supporting its two published MMOs, Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark, according to company spokesperson Brittney Hefner, as reported by The Verge. However, the fate of other projects, like New World, is uncertain. The developers of New World: Aeternum announced that they will no longer be providing new content updates for the game, though its servers will stay live through 2026.
The decision to halt the Lord of the Rings MMO, coupled with the layoffs, reflects the challenges Amazon faces in the competitive gaming market. The company is now navigating how to manage its existing portfolio of MMOs.
Source: The Verge
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