New World
News, coverage and analysis tracking New World across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Fight or Kite: ArcheAge Chronicles is not merely an update to the ArcheAge you know, it’s a full on reimagining.
ArcheAge Chronicles represents a significant reimagining of the original MMORPG, moving away from flexible class pairings to a more rigid archetype system. While the demo showcases improved graphics and tighter combat, it also introduces gender-locked classes and a quest system that feels derivative of New World. Despite some clunky mechanics like glider and underwater stamina management, the dynamic quest generation is a highlight.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for BioWare
Electronic Arts has officially shut down the legendary studio BioWare, laying off 400 employees in the process. This move has been met with significant criticism, highlighting concerns about venture capital and corporate practices in the gaming industry. Several other MMOs and studios also saw news this week, including updates on MapleStory Classic World, Chronicles of Elyria, and the closure of Zenith.
New World fans have already begun work on a rogue server called Project Azoth
Fans of the MMORPG New World have begun developing a private server called Project Azoth to preserve the game ahead of its planned shutdown in January 2027. The volunteer developers are working to replicate core systems like combat, progression, and character logic, and are seeking player assistance in recording server data. While the project requires the original game client, preservation efforts are underway.
MMO Week in Review: Funcom’s folly
Funcom has confirmed significant layoffs and the stepping down of its CEO as part of a restructuring effort. The company will now focus on its existing titles, Dune: Awakening and Conan Exiles. This news comes amidst a broader week of MMO updates, including RuneScape halting its Reignited plans and Enshrouded launching its 1.0 release.
New World applies a list of ‘player facing changes’ after compiling fans’ wishlisted updates
Amazon Games is implementing a series of player-requested changes to the MMORPG New World, with a patch scheduled for October 14th. These updates include removing gold costs for faction shop items, increasing sterling rewards, removing mercenary limits from wars, disabling daggers, reducing carry weight for certain materials, and faster corrupted portal respawns. Game director Katy Kaszynski thanked players for their input, noting that the majority of changes were pulled from a player wishlist.
Eternal Tombs admits to being a solo dev project, projects early March 2027 release and a demo on Steam soon
Eternal Tombs, an MMORPG previously known as War of Dragnorox, has revealed that it is a solo developer project by Triune Studios, with the developer admitting to hiding this fact due to fear of judgment. The game is now projecting an early March 2027 release, with a demo expected on Steam soon, featuring between five to 20 hours of content and GM-run events.
MMO Week in Review: RuneScape 4, Aion 2
This week's MMO news includes Jagex announcing RuneScape 4, which will operate alongside existing titles. Aion 2 officially launched globally, while Lord of the Rings Online delayed its fall expansion. New World's fate was lamented, and Throne and Liberty confirmed its transition back to NCsoft in November.
Perfect Ten: Revisiting our last ten ‘Stormiest Future’ winners
This article revisits Massively Overpowered's past predictions for MMORPGs with 'stormy futures,' analyzing the outcomes for games like New World, Cryptic Studios' library, Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, and Star Citizen. Many of the predicted 'stormy' futures materialized, with some games shutting down or facing significant challenges, while others, like World of Warcraft and Cryptic Studios, have shown resilience or recovery.
Vitae Aeternum: History will remember New World falsely
This opinion piece argues that the MMORPG New World is misunderstood and will be remembered unfairly due to its rocky launch and initial reputation. The author contends that despite significant developer efforts to improve PvE content and overhaul the game, public perception remains stuck on its early flaws, unlike the more forgiving reception of Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch.
MMO Week in Review: Destiny 2’s revival, Aion 2’s stress test
This week's MMO news covers Destiny 2's revival with unvaulted content, Aion 2's stress test, and Ultima Online's 29th anniversary. Dune Awakening launched on consoles, Elder Scrolls Online discussed experimental features, and Microsoft continued layoffs. World of Warcraft Forever is impressing players, while other news includes The Division 2, Marathon, Warframe, and various other MMO updates and discussions.
WRUP: A tribute to Beepalus Slimon, also known as ‘Mr. Beepy,’ because I was asked to do this edition
This week's 'What Are You Playing' feature highlights community and staff plans for the weekend, with mentions of City of Heroes, Guild Wars 2, Elite Dangerous, Lord of the Rings Online, Final Fantasy XIV, Warframe, and Diablo IV. The article also includes a humorous, albeit strained, tribute to a character named Beepalus Slimon.
Massively Overthinking: Does action combat have too much of a negative effect on MMORPG scales?
This article discusses whether action combat negatively impacts the scale of MMORPGs, using Guild Wars 3's design as a focal point. Developers and writers debate if the emphasis on movement and momentum is worth the potential loss of large player numbers, with opinions varying on whether a compromise is possible or necessary.
Former New World devs unveil a new indie studio and plans for on a ‘co-op action combat game’
Former developers from Amazon Games' New World have formed a new studio called Steel Strix Studio. They are developing a co-op action combat game with story contributions from Chris Avellone, known for his work on Knights of the Old Republic 2 and Fallout: New Vegas. The game is in early development and not an MMO.
ArenaNet says Guild Wars 3 will make you "fall in love with MMOs." Here's why I think it could
ArenaNet aims to revitalize the MMO genre with Guild Wars 3, focusing on innovative 'Momentum' systems that allow for fluid movement and dynamic combat. Studio head Colin Johansen believes the game will attract both existing Guild Wars fans and new players seeking a fresh experience, potentially making them 'fall in love with MMOs.' The design prioritizes a cleaner UI and more action-oriented gameplay, a departure from traditional MMO mechanics.
MMOs Have “Stagnated,” Guild Wars 3 Studio Head Says
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre has stagnated, with many players still engaging with games over a decade old. He aims for Guild Wars 3 to introduce "wild, crazy ideas" to revitalize the genre by addressing approachability and respecting players' time, offering a less demanding experience than traditional MMOs.
Perfect Ten: Revisiting the winners of our last 10 underrated MMORPG awards
This article revisits the winners of the last 10 years of "underrated MMORPG" awards, offering retrospective thoughts on each choice. While some picks like Project Gorgon and Final Fantasy XIV are celebrated, others like Elyon are noted for their short lifespan, and New World's inclusion is bittersweet due to Amazon's decision to sunset the game.
2XKO's shutdown has me feeling glum about Riot's future MMO—because I don't think the genre can survive corporate cut-and-run tactics
The shutdown of Riot Games' fighting game 2XKO has raised concerns about the future of the company's upcoming MMO, due to perceived corporate impatience with long-term development cycles. The article argues that the high cost and long development time required for MMOs necessitate a sustained commitment that Riot's recent actions, including layoffs after 2XKO's release, do not inspire confidence in.
Massively Overthinking: What did your favorite MMORPG add to the genre?
This article discusses whether popular MMORPGs have truly innovated within the genre or simply built upon existing foundations. Several writers share their favorite MMORPGs and analyze their contributions, with Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Guild Wars being highlighted for their significant impacts on social gameplay, economies, and business models.
Massively Overthinking: How important is an auction house in MMORPGs?
MMORPG developers and players discuss the critical importance of auction houses and asynchronous trading systems. While some older MMORPGs succeeded without them, modern titles often rely on these features to facilitate player economies and trade, with their absence significantly impacting player experience and engagement.
Amazon’s MMO run will be coming to end sooner than thought
Amazon Game Studios is ending its Western publishing operations for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. Smilegate will take over Lost Ark in early 2027, while FirstSpark Games/NCSoft will manage Throne and Liberty starting in Q4 2026. This marks a significant shift for Amazon's ambitions in the MMO publishing market, following the shutdown of New World and the cancellation of other projects.
