New World
News, coverage and analysis tracking New World across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Amazon wants to take over from IO Interactive after 007 First Light success
Amazon, the owner of the James Bond franchise, is reportedly interested in taking over publishing duties for future 007 games from developer IO Interactive following the success of 007 First Light. While Amazon acquired the IP through its purchase of MGM Studios, its own game development efforts have been largely unsuccessful, leading to speculation about whether it will develop games in-house or continue its partnership with IO Interactive.
Massively Overthinking: How much effort do you put into your MMO characters’ backstories?
The Massively OP staff discusses the varying levels of effort they put into creating backstories and personalities for their MMORPG characters. While some players craft elaborate narratives, others prefer simpler concepts or let personalities emerge organically through gameplay, with some games like Palia naturally encouraging more in-depth role-playing.
'People want MMOs', says veteran designer Jack Emmert, it's the publishers chasing WoW-level scope that…
Veteran designer Jack Emmert believes players still want MMOs, citing the sales of New World as proof, but argues that publishers' pursuit of WoW-level scope and budget leads to failure. He suggests that a more focused vision and reasonable expectations are key to creating successful new MMOs, rather than trying to replicate existing giants.
Cryptic’s Jack Emmert on hungry MMO fans and games that are ‘basically features, but without any soul’
Cryptic Studios' Jack Emmert believes the MMORPG genre still has a strong audience, citing games like New World and World of Warcraft. He argues that many new MMORPGs fail due to a lack of focused design, resulting in "features without any soul" and bloated budgets, which publishers often push for.
WRUP: The context of this entry is Guillaume edition
This week's 'What Are You Playing' roundup features staff and community members discussing their weekend gaming plans. Titles mentioned include Star Wars Galaxies Legends, The Division 2, Forza Horizon 6, Final Fantasy XIV, and Age of Empires IV, among others. The discussion also includes a bonus question about the definition of a 'quick errand'.
Evening Interviews
Cryptic Studios head Jack Emmert stated that the success of New World indicates a strong demand for MMORPGs, suggesting the genre is ready for innovation. The article also touches on Josh Sawyer's journey into the gaming industry.
"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.
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.
Wemade Expands Starter Support Event for Global Launch of Legend of YMIR, Introduces Content for Indonesia - GameHaunt
Wemade has expanded starter support for the global launch of its MMORPG, Legend of YMIR, introducing full Indonesian language support and region-specific content. The six-week event offers new players Rare to Epic-grade gear, daily bonuses, and cultural items like a Barong Ket-inspired Disir and Indonesian food buffs. This update aims to ease the learning curve for beginners while integrating local heritage, following a similar approach seen in the Philippines server launch.
WRUP: The context of this is that something very good happened to Guillaume but at Etienne’s expense edition
This article is a weekly roundup of what games the Massively OP community and staff are playing, featuring a bonus question about car preferences in video games. Contributors discuss their weekend gaming plans across various titles including Star Wars Galaxies Legends, Guild Wars 2, The Division 2, and Final Fantasy XIV, while also sharing their favorite types of cars in games, ranging from vintage to sports models.
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.
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.
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 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 ‘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.
The Lord of the Rings MMO might reportedly be dead, but Amazon is still "working closely" with Middle-earth on…
Amazon Game Studios has reportedly canceled its second attempt at a The Lord of the Rings MMO, with sources citing an investigation into the publisher's use of generative AI. Despite this, Amazon stated they are still working closely with Middle-earth Enterprises on other games set in the universe.
