Amazon Game Studios ends MMO activities: impact on Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark

Briefly

• Amazon Game Studios is handing the Western operations of Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark back to their original developers.
• The transition for Throne and Liberty is planned for Q4 2026, while Lost Ark will follow in early 2027.
• Players can keep their progress unless they choose not to transfer.

Amazon Game Studios has announced that it will be ending its MMO-market activities by returning the publishing of Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark to NC (formerly NCSoft) and Smilegate, respectively. This marks a significant shift in Amazon’s strategy, after previously trying to establish a foothold in the competitive MMO sector. The transition for Throne and Liberty is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, while Lost Ark will be handed over in early 2027.

GAME-scanner analysis

Amazon’s decision to pull back from the MMO market is not entirely surprising, given the challenges the company has faced in developing and maintaining successful online games. The MMO market is highly competitive and requires constant updates and strong player engagement. Amazon’s earlier efforts, such as New World, received mixed reactions, raising questions about whether the company followed the right strategy. It is clear that Amazon is now choosing a more supportive role, focusing on facilitating the transition to the original developers.

What does this mean for players?

For players of Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark, this transition means they can keep their progress unless they choose not to transfer. That is a crucial point, as many players are concerned about their investment in these games. However, it is important to note that cross-progression between Steam and consoles for Throne and Liberty will no longer work after the transition, which could affect the experience for many gamers.

Related GAME-scanner articles

• Future of Lost Ark: transfer to Smilegate in 2027