Amazon Games has officially announced that its MMORPG, New World: Aeternum, will cease operations on January 31, 2027. This decision comes as no major surprise, particularly following the developer’s earlier announcement that no new content would be added after the Nighthaven seasonal update launched last year. In October 2025, further indications of change emerged when Amazon cut several positions within its gaming division, specifically affecting the teams that managed New World.
Players can continue to engage with the game on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S up until the end date, but as of January 15, the game has started to be delisted from digital storefronts. Amazon has extended the Nighthaven event to allow players a final opportunity to experience the game’s content prior to its closure. “We want to thank the players for your dedication and passion. We are grateful for the time spent crafting the world of Aeternum with you. Together we built something special. While we are saddened to say goodbye, we’re honored that we were able to share so much with the community,” the company stated in its announcement.
New World debuted in September 2021 for PC and expanded to console platforms in October 2024, initially enjoying substantial success with over 900,000 peak concurrent users. However, the game’s popularity dwindled significantly, with current Steam player counts averaging around 1,100.
Additionally, Amazon will continue to sell microtransactions for New World until July 19, 2026, after which the Marks of Fortune currency and all related items will be removed from sale. Players holding a balance of Marks of Fortune will not be eligible for refunds.
While Amazon has decided to halt new content for Aeternum, the company has pledged to monitor the game’s functionality, addressing bugs and ensuring that performance remains stable as the shutdown date approaches.
Amazon’s gaming division has faced several challenges in recent years, highlighted by the cancellation of its free-to-play shooter Crucible and a stalled Lord of the Rings MMO project due to contractual disputes. A report from Bloomberg has characterized a troubling pattern of mismanagement within the division. Despite these setbacks, Amazon continues to invest in gaming, with upcoming titles like Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst slated for release.
As New World approaches its final months, players and developers alike can reflect on the unique experiences shared within Aeternum, which fostered a dedicated community and vibrant world.
