A significant outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS) has sent ripples of disruption across the digital landscape, affecting a multitude of online platforms and gaming experiences. As of 3 AM PT / 6 AM ET / 11 AM BST on Monday, October 20, notable multiplayer games such as Fortnite and Palworld are grappling with connectivity issues, leaving players in limbo. The Epic Games Store is also experiencing challenges, further compounding the frustrations for gamers eager to dive into their favorite titles.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The AWS outage commenced during the early hours for users in the United States and the UK, strategically avoiding peak gaming hours. However, the widespread nature of the disruption has still impacted millions globally, particularly affecting popular games like Roblox, Rocket League, and others. As of now, the outage has persisted for approximately three hours, creating a palpable sense of urgency among players.
In a recent update, AWS reported “significant signs of recovery” on its service health page, indicating that most requests should soon succeed. The company is actively addressing a backlog of queued requests and promises to keep users informed as the situation evolves.
Other titles feeling the effects of the AWS outage include the realistic World War II shooter Hell Let Loose, the engaging soccer game Rematch by Sloclap, and the survival game Ark: Survival Evolved. Such widespread outages are not entirely unprecedented; they typically resolve within a few hours, yet the sense of impending doom often accompanies these events, highlighting our deep reliance on technology. The frustration of not being able to jump into a game can feel like a mini tech apocalypse.
For those still unable to access their preferred games, it may be a good time to explore some of the best single-player experiences available. Alternatively, stepping outside to enjoy the fresh air might just be the refreshing break needed. Once the digital world stabilizes, players can look forward to rejoining the vibrant community of free PC games.
If you’re among those experiencing difficulties accessing your favorite games this morning, consider joining the conversation on the PCGamesN Discord server to share your experiences.
