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Throne and Liberty deep-dives the perils awaiting players traveling to the frozen wasteland of Nix
Amazon Games and NCsoft have detailed the upcoming expansion for Throne and Liberty, titled The Frozen Divide: Nix. This expansion introduces a new frozen wasteland zone called Nix, featuring unique traversal mechanics like the Aethersuit and Auroral Path. New dungeons and bosses, including one inspired by a cat, will also be added when the expansion releases on June 25th.
Maverick Games Teases a Trailer With a Livestream of a Countdown
Developer Maverick Games has begun teasing an upcoming trailer for its narrative-led open-world driving game, with a livestream countdown currently set for over five days. The studio, founded by former Playground Games veterans, previously had a publishing agreement with Amazon Games, which was terminated earlier this year. Maverick Games is now in discussions with other publishers and expects to share more information later this year.
"People want MMOs, and the sales of New World proved it" – Cryptic Studios head Jack Emmert on why MMOs are ripe for reinvention
Cryptic Studios CEO Jack Emmert believes the MMORPG market is still strong, citing the sales of New World as proof, despite recent cancellations. He argues that successful MMOs should focus on a distinct vision and niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone, which often leads to diluted experiences. Emmert also emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping and controlled scope for long-term success in the genre.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has canceled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, which was in development since 2023 with Embracer Group. The company cited economic and technical challenges, opting instead to pursue a smaller, single-player or co-op experience in Tolkien's universe. This marks the second time Amazon has failed to launch a Lord of the Rings MMO, with a previous attempt canceled in 2021 due to disputes with Tencent.
Amazon Cancels Lord of The Rings MMO, New LOTR Game Planned
Amazon Games has canceled its in-development Lord of the Rings MMO, with head of games Jeff Grattis confirming a new game experience is being explored. The MMO, announced in 2023 and developed by Amazon Games Orange County, was reportedly in early production for PC and consoles. This cancellation follows layoffs at Amazon Games and the end of service for New World.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, ending a partnership with Embracer Group due to high technical costs and a strategic pivot away from massive online worlds. This marks Amazon's second failed attempt at a Tolkien-based MMO. The company is still working on a smaller, single-player Middle-earth game, potentially developed by Warhorse Studios, while its other MMO, New World, is scheduled to shut down on October 31, 2027.
Amazon Reportedly Cancelled The Lord of the Rings MMO, But "Remain Excited About The IP"
Amazon Games has reportedly cancelled its upcoming The Lord of the Rings MMO, which was announced in 2023. Despite the cancellation, the company stated it remains excited about the intellectual property and is exploring new game experiences. This news follows significant layoffs at Amazon in October 2025 that impacted various projects.
Lord Of The Rings MMO cancelled as Amazon explores ‘new game experience’
Amazon Games has cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMO, which had been in development in various forms since 2019. While the MMO is scrapped, Amazon Games head Jeff Grattis stated the company is exploring a new game experience within Tolkien's world. This cancellation follows significant layoffs within Amazon's games division and the upcoming shutdown of their MMO New World.
Amazon reportedly had a studio pivot away from a game 'everyone was excited by' to make something with more AI stuffed in it, then laid them all off anyway
Amazon Games reportedly shifted a development team away from an anticipated game to focus on incorporating more artificial intelligence, only to lay off the entire team afterward. According to sources, the team was working on a single-player game featuring AI-driven dialogue for special moves and convincing NPCs, with a demo planned for early 2026. Amazon Games head Jeff Gattis stated that AI was not the reason for the layoffs, attributing them to a strategic business shift.
Amazon reportedly cancels Lord of the Rings MMO
Amazon has reportedly cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMO, with sources indicating the decision followed layoffs in its Games division. While not confirming the cancellation, Amazon Games head Jeff Gattis stated the company is exploring a new game experience within the franchise. Layoffs impacted teams working on both the Lord of the Rings MMO and the New World game.
Report: Amazon cancels The Lord of the Rings MMO
Amazon Games has reportedly canceled its announced Lord of the Rings MMO, though general manager Jeffrey Gattis stated the team is exploring a new game experience for the IP. The MMO, a collaboration with Embracer, faced development challenges including layoffs and a broader strategic shift within Amazon's gaming division. Amazon Games has also recently seen other projects canceled or studios acquired.
Amazon Canceled A Comedic Valhalla Game Featuring Thor After "AI Mandate" Came Down - Report
Amazon Games reportedly canceled a comedic action game codenamed Project Trident, which was set in a Nordic-inspired world and planned to heavily utilize generative AI for NPC interactions and gameplay mechanics. Despite initial developer concerns, the project was ultimately scrapped following an "AI mandate" from Amazon Games, with the company stating that AI was not the sole reason for layoffs but rather a strategic business shift.
Amazon Still Eyeing A Lord Of The Rings Game After Reported MMO Cancellation
Amazon Games is still pursuing a new The Lord of the Rings game, despite multiple MMORPG projects being canceled. The company's latest attempt at a Lord of the Rings MMO, in partnership with Embracer, was reportedly canceled in 2025 amid layoffs. Amazon previously partnered with Leyou for another Lord of the Rings MMO that was canceled in 2021.
Amazon Games is Exploring How to Make The Lord of the Rings Into a “New Game Experience”
Amazon Games is exploring new ways to create a "new game experience" based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings IP, despite recent cutbacks and the reported cancellation of an MMORPG. Head of games Jeff Grattis stated the team is working closely with the IP to do it justice. The company also confirmed its publishing agreement for the upcoming Tomb Raider games with Crystal Dynamics.
Andy Serkis says 'there has always been that snobbery' when it comes to videogame acting, but the times are changing thanks to games like Expedition 33
Actor Andy Serkis believes there has historically been a snobbery towards video game acting, but this is changing thanks to titles like Expedition 33. He expressed enthusiasm for the game and its visual style, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of mocap actors. The article also touches on past instances of industry figures downplaying the role of acting in games.
Throne and Liberty teases the arrival of The Frozen Divide update soon™
Amazon Games is teasing the upcoming "The Frozen Divide" update for the MMORPG Throne and Liberty. While details are scarce, fans speculate it may introduce a new region called Nyx. Further information is expected soon.
Baldur's Gate 3 cast 'changed the game' for videogame actors, says Dragon Age: Inquisition lead: 'We too deserve to stand up and be counted'
Alix Wilton Regan, voice of the female inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition, believes Baldur's Gate 3 has set a new standard for video game actors, highlighting the demanding nature of the profession. She contrasts this with the industry's current focus on AI, which threatens creative roles, and notes the growing recognition for game actors, exemplified by Baldur's Gate 3 star Neil Newbon's award win.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance Developer’s Next Game is a “Huge, Immersive RPG”
Warhorse Studios, known for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, has confirmed it is working on a "huge, immersive RPG." While rumors suggest a The Lord of the Rings title, the studio remains silent on specifics. The article also touches on other potential Lord of the Rings game projects and the cancellation of Amazon Games' MMORPG.
Is Fortnite Toxic? An Honest Answer Backed by Data (2026) | TAG
Data suggests Fortnite's reputation for toxicity is more nuanced than commonly perceived, with lower rates of identity-based harassment compared to other competitive shooters. While age-driven trash talk and skill-gap frustration are prevalent, especially in modes like Ranked, Epic Games has implemented moderation tools and default communication settings to mitigate harm, particularly for younger players.
Lost Ark's Matt Huston delivers a lonely final video roadmap, and it's breaking my heart
Lost Ark franchise lead Matt Huston delivered the game's final video roadmap, announcing a shift to text-based updates following recent departures from the Amazon Games team. The roadmap details upcoming content including Shadow Raids, Chaos Rifts, new gear, and the Catarum Archipelago region. Huston expressed gratitude for the community's support and acknowledged the contributions of former team members Roxanne Sabo and Henry Stelter.
