Amazon has officially canceled its latest attempt at creating a Lord of the Rings MMO, marking a significant loss for the gaming community. This decision was part of larger layoffs affecting approximately 14,000 employees within the company. Ashleigh Amrine, a former senior gameplay engineer at Amazon Games, announced her departure on LinkedIn. She mentioned the disappointment of the cancellation, noting the talent within her team that contributed to the project.
Background of the Lord of the Rings MMO
The first attempt at a Lord of the Rings MMO was initiated in 2019 through a collaboration between Amazon and the Chinese company Leyou. Unfortunately, this initial project ended in 2021 due to a contractual dispute following Leyou’s acquisition by Tencent.
In 2023, Amazon reintroduced its Lord of the Rings MMO, partnering with Embracer, the new rights holder for Middleearth. The game was described as a “persistent openworld MMO adventure,” set to explore the narrative of both The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, details about the new project remained scarce over time.
Impact of Recent Layoffs
The recent layoffs are part of a broader strategy shift at Amazon Games, with the company moving away from MMO development. The popular game New World also announced it would cease development after its Nighthaven update, though the servers will remain operational until 2026. Players can expect a sixmonth notice before any changes that would affect gameplay.
Community Response and Alternatives
The gaming community has shown resilience in the face of this news. For fans of the genre eager to explore Middleearth, the existing title, The Lord of the Rings Online, continues to thrive. Launched nearly two decades ago, it retains a dedicated audience. Recent efforts by this community include an adventurous pilgrimage of underleveled hobbits to Mount Doom.
- First attempt (2019) Collaboration with Leyou
- End of original project (2021) Contractual dispute after Leyou’s acquisition by Tencent
- Second attempt (2023) Partnership with Embracer, minimal details shared
- New World announcement Cessation of development following Nighthaven update
- Server status Operational until 2026
The cancellations reflect a significant transition at Amazon Games, leaving many in the industry to reevaluate the future of MMO development within large gaming studios.