As Amazon prepares to sunset its New World MMO on January 31, 2027, the gaming community is abuzz with unexpected developments. Despite its moderate success, the decision to discontinue the game has sparked interest from industry insiders, notably Alistair McFarlane, chief operating officer of Facepunch Studios. McFarlane has publicly expressed his belief that “games should never die,” and has made a playful offer to purchase New World, along with support from other notable figures in the gaming world.
Unexpected Offers and Support
The nature of McFarlane’s offer remains somewhat ambiguous, straddling the line between jest and genuine interest. In a recent exchange on social media, he humorously remarked, “I tried to get Ali to buy NW for me but he told me to fuck off :(” to which he later responded with a cheeky “25m, final offer,” tagging the Amazon Games account. His follow-up statement, “Games should never die,” reinforces his commitment to preserving gaming experiences.
Adding to the conversation, Simon Collins-Laflamme, who successfully revived Hytale from the brink of cancellation, offered his expertise, stating, “If you need tips about buying cancelled games, lmk.” This camaraderie among industry veterans highlights a shared passion for keeping games alive.
Popular streamer Gothalion also expressed enthusiasm for the idea, prompting Errn, who initiated the discussion, to reiterate, “We offered to buy it to save it.” While the tone of these exchanges leans towards lightheartedness, the underlying message resonates with many in the gaming community.
A Glimpse into the Future
While the seriousness of McFarlane’s proposal is still up for debate, he remains open to possibilities. “We’re opening a publishing arm of the business quite soon and we’re always looking for new opportunities,” he shared with PC Gamer. “Games shouldn’t die. Garry’s Mod turns 20 this year, and Rust just recently turned 12, with the latter thriving still. We don’t like to kill games off.”
As the clock ticks down to New World’s scheduled closure, fans are left to ponder the potential for a new chapter. The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, and with the right vision and support, even a game on the brink of closure could find new life. The future remains uncertain, but the passion for preserving gaming experiences is undeniably strong among those who care deeply about the medium.
