New World
News, coverage and analysis tracking New World across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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.
Amazon Will Soon Be Out Of The MMO Business Entirely
Amazon Game Studios is exiting the massively multiplayer online (MMO) business entirely, handing over Western operations of "Throne and Liberty" and "Lost Ark" back to their original developers, NC and Smilegate, respectively. This move follows the earlier shutdown announcement for their own MMO, "New World," and the cancellation of a "Lord of the Rings" MMO. Amazon had previously published and operated these live-service titles in the West.
Amazon drops Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty
Amazon is ending its publishing deals for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty in Western markets. NCSoft will take over publishing for Throne and Liberty near the end of 2026, while Smilegate will do the same for Lost Ark in early 2027. This move signifies the end of Amazon's significant ambitions in the MMO publishing space, following earlier shifts away from big-budget game development.
Amazon are getting out of the MMO game, handing control of Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to developers, but it won't all be smooth for players
Amazon Game Studios is exiting the global publishing of MMOs, handing over control of Lost Ark to Smilegate and Throne and Liberty to FireSpark Games. While Amazon will cease live service operations for Lost Ark in early 2027, some player data like chat history and friend memos will be lost. This transition aims to align global updates with Korean releases for Lost Ark and is expected to be less disruptive for Throne and Liberty. The move comes as Amazon shifts its focus away from external publishing and internal MMO development.
Amazon hands off Throne and Liberty to NC, seemingly ending its MMO era
Amazon Game Studios is handing over the reins of its MMORPG Throne and Liberty to developer FirstSpark Games and publisher NC, marking a potential end to Amazon's involvement in the MMO genre. The transition is expected to be seamless for players, with all progress and items remaining intact. This move follows the struggles of other Amazon-published MMOs like New World and Blue Protocol.
WRUP: Billy Joel was definitely convicted of arson in 1995 and other absolutely true facts edition
The Massively OP community and staff share their weekend gaming plans, with titles like Lord of the Rings Online, Palworld, and Final Fantasy XIV being mentioned. The discussion also touches on uncomfortable office settings and personal work experiences.
The Daily Grind: How many MMORPGs have you played to date?
This article discusses the common feature in MMORPGs where players know who crafted their in-game gear, noting its prevalence across many titles. It highlights the surprise of a player who, despite playing for 13 years and several MMORPGs, had never encountered this feature. The author also touches on the broader topic of player engagement with game developers and artisans.
RUST boss Alistair McFarlane has left Facepunch and will not be saving New World after all
Alistair McFarlane, director of RUST developer Facepunch Studios, has departed the company as of July 30th. McFarlane had previously teased potential involvement with Amazon's New World, but these rumors have now seemingly concluded with his exit from Facepunch.
Facepunch director Alistair McFarlane, who once offered to buy New World from Amazon and faked us out about Rust 2, has…
Alistair McFarlane, director and chief operating officer of Facepunch Studios, has departed the company after an 11-year tenure. McFarlane, who was often the public face of the studio and executive producer on Rust, stated July 30th was his last day. He expressed pride in the team's achievements and the game's enduring success, attributing it to the community and consistent monthly updates. McFarlane previously made headlines for offering to buy Amazon's New World and for fueling Rust 2 rumors.
Perfect Ten: MMORPGs whose fans I feel sorry for
This opinion piece discusses ten MMORPGs whose fans are felt to be underserved or unfairly treated due to various issues like poor publishing deals, legal troubles, corporate decisions, or a perceived lack of developer care. Games like Fractured Online, Ashes of Creation, The Elder Scrolls Online, and New World are highlighted for their fanbases facing significant challenges.
Amazon Gaming boss says high hardware prices could be good news for its Luna cloud gaming program
Amazon Gaming boss Jeffrey Gattis believes that high hardware prices could benefit Amazon's cloud gaming service, Luna. He suggests that as consoles and PCs become more expensive, more consumers may consider cloud gaming solutions. Gattis also noted that Amazon has a clearer gaming strategy now, focusing on reaching players who might be priced out of traditional hardware.
Question time: How long have you been playing MMOs?
This opinion piece discusses the perceived age of MMO players and the evolution of MMO design towards seasonal structures and midcore content. It highlights the longevity of games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14, contrasting them with the shorter lifespans of newer titles like New World. The author, who has played MMOs since middle school, invites readers to share their own experiences and how long they've been engaged with the genre.
Even Hideo Kojima is afraid that 'digital data will no longer be owned by individuals' and that access to art…
Hideo Kojima has expressed concerns about the future of digital ownership, fearing that players will eventually lose control over their digital data and access to art. This sentiment is amplified by Sony's reported move towards a fully digital PlayStation ecosystem by 2028, raising anxieties about game preservation and the potential loss of access to purchased content due to external factors like server shutdowns or company closures.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffs
This week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.