Amazon’s foray into the massive multiplayer online (MMO) gaming landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the company announces the conclusion of its publishing agreements for two notable titles: Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark. While this marks the end of Amazon’s direct involvement, both games will continue to thrive under new stewardship.
Transition to New Publishers
NCSoft is set to take the reins of Throne and Liberty for Western markets, with the transition expected to finalize by late 2026. Meanwhile, Lost Ark will be handed over to Smilegate, with a planned takeover in early 2027. Players can rest assured that their gaming experiences will largely remain unchanged, although some specifics regarding the transition for Throne and Liberty are still being finalized and will be disclosed as the date approaches.
However, it is important to note that the transition will not be entirely seamless. For Lost Ark players, certain user data will not migrate to the new platform. This includes in-game mail, friends list memos, group names, guild member nicknames and memos, as well as chat messages and history. Such changes may require players to adapt to a new environment, albeit with the same beloved game mechanics.
As Amazon shifts its focus away from high-budget gaming projects, including the postponement of its home-grown MMO, New World, until 2025, the company continues to act as a publisher for these externally developed MMOs in the West. This strategic pivot comes in the wake of significant layoffs, raising concerns among the Lost Ark community, especially following a round of layoffs that impacted the game’s team earlier this year. Given these circumstances, the recent developments may be viewed as a positive turn for fans.
In the midst of these changes, Amazon Games is redirecting its efforts towards new projects, including the upcoming Courtroom Chaos Starring Snoop Dogg, a title that exemplifies the company’s evolving focus in the gaming sector. As the landscape shifts, players and industry observers alike will be keenly watching how these transitions unfold and what they mean for the future of MMOs under new management.
