New World Enters Sunset Phase Following Massive Amazon Games Layoffs
In a significant development for the gaming industry and the future of Amazon’s ambitious MMORPG, New World is officially transitioning into maintenance mode. This decision follows a major restructuring within Amazon Games Studios (AGS), which saw the company participate in Amazon’s broader corporate layoffs affecting over 14,000 people across the organization.
For players, the immediate concern is the longevity of the game. AGS has provided a specific, though temporary, commitment regarding server operations. According to official communications, the company’s intention is to keep New World servers operating through 2026.
This shift confirms the end of active development for the title, a move that comes after Amazon shuttered the two studios primarily responsible for the game’s creation and ongoing support.
AGS Restructuring: Studio Closures and Hundreds of Layoffs
The decision to place New World into maintenance mode is directly linked to the dramatic scaling back of Amazon Games Studios. Reports indicate that the layoffs affected hundreds of AGS employees and led to the apparent closure of the Irvine and San Diego studios.
These studios were central to the development and post-launch support of New World, which launched in 2021 to massive initial success before struggling with long-term content delivery and player retention. The closures signal a major pivot in Amazon’s strategy, focusing resources on fewer, perhaps more successful, projects or different development models.
This restructuring is the latest chapter in Amazon’s often turbulent journey into game development, which has seen several high-profile projects canceled and studios dissolved despite significant initial investment.
Defining ‘Maintenance Mode’ for the Player Base
When an MMORPG enters maintenance mode, it signifies a fundamental shift from active content creation to essential upkeep. For the New World community, this means the game will no longer receive the large-scale expansions or seasonal content updates that players typically expect from a live service title.
The scope of continued support is strictly limited to ensuring the game remains playable and stable for the committed timeframe.
What Players Can Expect Through 2026:
- Server Stability: Continued operation of existing game servers.
- Essential Bug Fixes: Patches addressing critical, game-breaking bugs or exploits.
- Security Updates: Necessary updates to maintain the integrity and security of the game environment.
- Limited Technical Support: Assistance for account and connectivity issues.
What Players Should Not Expect:
- New Expansions or Content: No new zones, major questlines, or significant feature additions.
- Major System Overhauls: No large-scale reworks of core game mechanics or progression systems.
- Active Community Development: Reduced developer interaction and community events.
AGS was explicit about the future scope, stating that the game is now in a state of minimal upkeep.
“Our intention is to keep servers operating through 2026, providing essential maintenance and stability updates to ensure the game remains functional for our dedicated community. There are no plans for new content or expansions.”
This commitment provides a clear, two-year window for current players but leaves the game’s fate uncertain beyond the end of 2026.
The Broader Context of Amazon’s Gaming Ambitions
The decision to scale back on New World development reflects broader challenges faced by Amazon Games Studios. Despite the success of Lost Ark (published by AGS) and the ongoing development of Throne and Liberty and Blue Protocol (also published by AGS), the company has struggled to deliver successful internally developed titles.
New World represented a massive investment and a high-profile attempt to capture a share of the competitive MMORPG market. Its transition to maintenance mode, alongside the closure of the associated development teams, suggests a strategic shift toward publishing external titles rather than investing heavily in internal, high-risk development projects.
This move aligns with a recent trend among major tech companies to reassess and often reduce their gaming divisions in the face of economic pressures and the high cost of AAA game development.
Key Takeaways for the New World Community
For players invested in the world of Aetérnum, the news confirms a definitive end to the game’s growth phase, but also offers a guaranteed window of playability.
- Server Lifespan Confirmed: Servers are guaranteed to operate through 2026.
- End of Development: No new content, expansions, or major features are planned.
- Studio Impact: The Irvine and San Diego studios, key to New World, have been shuttered as part of the massive AGS layoffs.
- Future Uncertainty: The status of the game beyond the 2026 commitment remains unknown.
- Focus on Stability: Remaining support will focus solely on essential bug fixes and server stability.
Conclusion
Amazon Games Studios’ decision to place New World into maintenance mode is a sober reflection of the realities of the live service market and the high operational costs associated with MMORPGs. While the news is disappointing for fans hoping for continued expansions, the explicit commitment to keeping servers running through 2026 provides clarity and a defined timeline for players to enjoy the game as it stands. The move underscores a strategic shift at Amazon toward prioritizing publishing success over internal development, marking a significant change in the company’s approach to the highly competitive gaming landscape.
Originally published: October 28, 2025
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