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Amazon business and news from across the web.
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Woot has dropped some record-low Nintendo Switch game sales, but they won't stick around forever
Woot, an Amazon-owned retailer, is offering significant discounts on Nintendo Switch games, with some sales reaching record lows. These deals are available outside of major sale events, unlike most other retailers. The article also suggests accessories that would complement these game purchases.
Doomed MMORPG New World’s latest patch makes Mutations and Soul Trials more accessible
Amazon has released a new update for the MMORPG New World, making its Mutations and Soul Trials content more accessible. The Soul Trial cooldown has been reduced to six hours, and the weekly Mutation run limit has been increased to 100, with daily rotations. The update also includes several bug fixes, such as addressing issues with players being kicked to the main menu and the AFK timer.
Rumour: LEGO's Next Pokémon Sets Might Have Been Revealed
Rumors suggest that LEGO is planning to release several new Pokémon-themed building sets, including 'Trainer's Buggy Adventure with Squirtle' and 'Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle'. These potential sets, which may feature a new smart brick function, have reportedly been revealed ahead of any official announcement from LEGO. This news follows recent reports of LEGO discontinuing some of its existing Nintendo sets, including the first Legend of Zelda set.
007 First Light’s Narrative Director Wants Everyone to Think It’s “The Best Bond Game Ever”
Narrative director Martin Emborg of IO Interactive hopes that 007: First Light will be considered the best James Bond game ever made, acknowledging the legacy of titles like GoldenEye 007. The game is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on May 29th, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version planned for later in the summer. Studio CEO Hakan Abrak also discussed the positive collaboration with Amazon and the potential for a sequel.
Amazon Has Dropped Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 Preorders in Price To Match Argos — Still With Free MTG Card
Amazon has reduced the price of Nintendo Switch preorders for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to £43.99, matching Argos. The deal still includes a free Zack Fair Magic: The Gathering card.
Spectre star Lea Seydoux was "sad" Bond was bought by Amazon, but had a change of heart when Denis Villeneuve signed on: "At least it's him, so it will be cinema"
Actress Lea Seydoux expressed initial disappointment regarding Amazon's acquisition of MGM, the studio behind the James Bond franchise. However, she later felt reassured upon learning that director Denis Villeneuve would be involved, believing his involvement ensures a cinematic quality to future projects.
Sony hit with a class action lawsuit for allegedly profiting from tariff-related price hikes
Sony is facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly profiting from price increases related to tariffs. This legal action mirrors similar lawsuits filed against Nintendo and Amazon concerning the same issue.
Morning Legal Briefs
Amazon is facing a class action lawsuit from customers seeking refunds for 'unlawful' tariffs. The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to provide appropriate refunds to affected consumers.
MMO Week in Review: The Only Way to the Cradle of War
This week's MMO news roundup covers major announcements from EVE Online's Cradle of War expansion and Star Citizen's alpha 4.8 Tactical Strike. Guild Wars 2 launched The Only Way update, while Amazon's Lord of the Rings MMORPG fate remains uncertain. NCsoft and Pearl Abyss reported strong financial quarters, and various other MMOs like Farever, EverQuest Legends, and Subnautica 2 were discussed.
Amazon is facing a class action lawsuit for not refunding its customers after 'unlawful' tariffs
Amazon is facing a class action lawsuit alleging the company owes customers hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds due to unlawful tariffs. The lawsuit claims these tariffs were improperly applied, leading to financial losses for users.
The Sunday Papers
Amazon Game Studios cancelled its AAA project 'Project Trident', which utilized large language models for dialogue, despite it being a mandated initiative. The article also touches on Crimson Desert's unexpected birdwatching community, a personal anecdote about discovering trance music, and the epidemiological fascination with cruise ship outbreaks.
Warhammer 40,000's Most Famous Player, Henry Cavill, Presented With a Gift Fit for the Emperor Himself While Filming Highlander in Poland
Henry Cavill, a prominent fan of Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargame and set to star in its upcoming cinematic universe, received a Custodes box as a gift from a local store owner while filming Highlander in Poland. Cavill's involvement with the Warhammer 40,000 franchise continues to be a significant point of interest for fans.
"We are not trying to dismiss handmade work or disrespect creators" - studio behind popular party game Party Animals backtracks after AI video contest outcry
Recreate Games has apologized after its AI video contest for the game Party Animals faced significant backlash from the community. The studio clarified that AI is considered another tool and they do not intend to disrespect creators or handmade work. The community is now being asked to vote on whether to cancel the contest, change it to a non-AI competition, or add a separate handmade category.
City of Ash is one of my favorite Warhammer box sets in years, and it's finally back in stock
The popular Warhammer Age of Sigmar beginner box set, City of Ash, is back in stock at Amazon for $220. This set provides two complete armies, terrain, and rules for the Spearhead game mode, making it an easy entry point into the wargame. The article highlights the quality of the miniatures and the engaging gameplay mechanics.
Amazon Games exposé suggests a dev team was forced to pivot to AI and then laid off
Amazon Game Studios employees in San Diego were reportedly forced to pivot their game, Project Trident, to incorporate generative AI features before the entire team was laid off. Despite a mandate for AI integration across development divisions, the team's efforts to adapt the game for AI-driven NPC interactions ultimately proved futile as the studio underwent layoffs.
Amazon hurled its Lord of the Rings MMO back into the fires of Mount Doom
Amazon has reportedly halted development on its new Lord of the Rings MMO. While the specific game is canceled, Amazon is still working on other games set in the Middle-earth universe.
It seems Amazon canned the Lord of the Rings MMO while somehow simultaneously working on a different LOTR game
Amazon has reportedly canceled its in-development The Lord of the Rings MMO, with layoffs impacting the project. Despite this, Amazon Games is still collaborating with Embracer's Middle-earth Enterprises on a different Lord of the Rings game, with head of games Jeff Grattis expressing excitement for the IP.
Canned Lord of the Rings MMO now formally cast aside, Amazon claim they've still got a game "that does justice to Tolkien's world" in the works
Amazon has officially cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMO, though the company claims a new game experience that honors Tolkien's world is still in development. A report also details Amazon's internal struggles with integrating generative AI into game development, leading to project pivots and layoffs.
Rumor Mill
Amazon has reportedly cancelled its upcoming The Lord of the Rings MMO. While the project has been shelved, the company stated it is still exploring new game experiences set in Middle-earth.
Amazon ‘continues to explore a compelling new game experience’ for Lord of the Rings
Amazon's head of games, Jeff Gratis, stated that the company continues to explore a new game experience for The Lord of the Rings IP, despite earlier reports suggesting the MMORPG's cancellation. While the development team for the previously announced Lord of the Rings MMO was reportedly cut, Amazon has not officially confirmed its cancellation and remains committed to exploring the intellectual property.