New World Shutting Down on the Heels of a Nighthaven Update and Massive Layoffs

October 29th, 2025 | Today's presser is going to be a little bit different as I, like many others, are upset about a massive announcement that dropped yesterday (October 28th, 2025). This piece is going to be an update to a game and the previously mentioned announcement that has a ton of the gaming world reeling.

You may be familiar with Amazon Game Studios releasing New World back in 2021 with some decent success, especially after their first foray into game development flopped with Crucible in 2020. New World had some big shoes to fill because if Amazon Games released a second game in such a terrible state that it shut down just as quickly as the first, they might not ever continue in the gaming space (for which, you can have whatever opinion you will about whether that is considered a good thing or not.)

I personally have over 200 hours in New World because I liked the different take on the MMO genre. Unlike most games where you simply press a button to attack and dodge, New World requires you to parry and block. It also had some cool solo challenges and leveling your mount through timed tests. You could even customize your individual game style by using pretty much any weapon you wished and for your mount, you could equip different charms to boost its speed on the road or off road or regenerate your stamina faster. The game certainly didn't change MMO as a genre but it did have some different aspects that were unique.

Anyways, Amazon underwent a massive number of layoffs which not only hit Twitch staff, but also support for New World. This prompted the following announcement:

As New World recognizes its fourth anniversary since launching on PC, we reflect on an incredible journey shaped by our dedicated player community. Your feedback and passion have been instrumental in evolving Aeternum into the world it is today, and our team is deeply grateful for this shared adventure. After four years of steady content updates and a major new console release, we've reached a point where it is no longer sustainable to continue supporting the game with new content updates.

The recently launched Season 10 and Nighthaven update will serve as the final content release for New World on PC and consoles. It is only after much consideration that we've reached this decision. To thank you, the New World community, for your support over the years, we have made the Nighthaven release available to you for free. To ensure all New World players can experience this content, we also made Rise of the Angry Earth free for all PC players.

In the coming months, we will provide more details on what to expect and other essential information. Rest assured, our intention is to keep servers operating through 2026, allowing our community time to continue their adventures in Aeternum. Additionally, New World: Aeternum will still be downloadable for PlayStation Plus members (Extra and Premium).

Players of Aeternum: Your dedication and enthusiasm have made this New World adventure an unforgettable journey. We're deeply grateful for every moment you've spent helping build this extraordinary world alongside us. It has been an honor to share Aeternum with you, thank you for helping make this game something truly special.

Source: https://www.newworld.com/en-us/news/articles/update-on-new-world 

By the way, the website contains a set of FAQ's which you can read on the above page at your leisure. 

Here's the rub. The public has not received this news well - which includes me - and I am not surprised. Once again we get mixed messaging about a game doing 'really well' with new updates and content that people were returning to the game or picking it up for the first time, followed immediately by massive layoffs and shut down (I'm looking directly at you Blizzard before the sale to Microsoft). 

My Character in New World

Anyways, something I find intriguing is that a content creator (Towelliee) posted on the bird app about a petition to Jeff Bezos in efforts to reinstate the New World team. Personally, I (Susan, the News Editor for CGR) will be signing it. For those interested in signing the change.org petition, head here: https://www.change.org/p/reinstate-ags-new-world-aeternum-team?recruiter=1236918092&recruited_by_id=8e7272c0-4be2-11ec-bc52-e9c162e3d7c7&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_promote_or_share&utm_term=take_next_step&utm_medium=copylink&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_490857354_en-US%3A3 

So, anyone that is interested in saving a good MMO, please sign the petition. If not, at least you're more informed about what is happening with New World. Needless to say, some of us are not happy about it. You can agree or disagree or don't think about it. Either way, I felt it needed mentioning nonetheless.

Citations of Content Used:

• Towelliee Twitter Post (Oct 28th, 2025 post)
• YongYea Video about Crucible on YouTube (2020 release)
• New World official website (October 28th, 2025)
• Change.org petition direct link (October 28th, 2025)

Article by: Susan N.