Amazon ends MMO partnerships with Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty

Amazon is ending its publishing relationships with the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. The decision, announced this week, follows the company's plans to wind down its own MMO, New World: Aeternum, by October 2025. Both Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty will be transferred to new publishers, with NC taking over Throne and Liberty in the fourth quarter of 2026 and Smilegate managing Lost Ark in early 2027.

This shift comes as Amazon reevaluates its gaming strategy, having previously announced the cancellation of a Lord of the Rings MMO in May 2026. While Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty will remain available to players in Western markets, the transition raises questions about the continuity of in-game experiences. Players can expect most critical content, such as characters and in-game currency, to carry over, but some features may not transition smoothly. For instance, Lost Ark players will lose access to in-game mail and chat history, complicating the handover for some.

The change is a notable departure for Amazon, which entered the MMO market in 2016 with New World. Despite the launch of that game, the company has faced significant challenges in maintaining a stable presence in the MMO landscape. With New World set to shut down in January 2027, the shift away from publishing Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty signifies a broader retreat from this gaming genre.

As Amazon pivots its focus toward casual games for its Luna streaming service, the future of its gaming endeavors remains uncertain. The company appears to be concentrating on party games and other less demanding titles, integrating them as perks for Amazon Prime members. This strategic shift may redefine how Amazon positions itself in the competitive gaming market going forward.