Amazon’s MMO Ambitions Mired in Uncertainty as it Abandons Two Flagship Titles
In a bombshell announcement that sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, Amazon Game Studios revealed plans to rescind its publishing role on two of its most high-profile titles: Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. By early 2027, these massively multiplayer online (MMO) games will be handed back over to their respective developers, Smilegate for Lost Ark and NC for Throne and Liberty.
The decision marks a significant shift in Amazon’s focus, with the company reportedly scaling back its investment in PC and console gaming in favor of its Luna streaming service. This move is all the more striking given that just last year, Amazon announced it was downscaling its video game service, citing difficulties in competing with industry giants like Microsoft and Sony.
Lost Ark, developed by Smilegate, will see Amazon’s live service operations come to an end in early 2027, paving the way for Smilegate to take full control of the game. In a statement, Smilegate expressed gratitude towards Amazon for their partnership but welcomed the opportunity to “lead the next chapter” of Lost Ark directly.
Throne and Liberty, on the other hand, is transitioning from Amazon Game Studios to NC’s online publishing services by the end of Q4 2026. FirstSpark Games, an NC studio, will work closely with developer Smilegate to unify the global audience under a single online service.
This development raises questions about Amazon’s long-term commitment to MMOs and whether the company has finally written off its ambitious gaming endeavors. The decision to abandon Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark comes on the heels of several other setbacks for Amazon Games, including the cancellation of New World: Aeternum last year and the recent shuttering of UGC dungeon brawler King of Meat.
As the VR/XR community continues to thrive, it’s clear that Amazon’s priorities have shifted towards its Luna streaming service. While this may signal a new era for Amazon in gaming, it’s unclear what this means for future VR and XR titles. Will Amazon continue to focus on developing immersive experiences or will it remain committed to more traditional forms of entertainment?
For fans of Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty, the news is bittersweet – while they’ll be getting a fresh new start under their respective developers’ care, the uncertainty surrounding Amazon’s gaming ambitions leaves one wondering what could have been. As we move forward into this new era for VR and XR, it will be fascinating to see which companies rise to the top of the industry and how they choose to invest in immersive technologies that are redefining entertainment as we know it.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-12