PC Players Mourn As Hit 2021 RPG Confirms Server Shutdown
Topics: Amazon, PC, Steam, PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Featured Image Credit: Amazon Games
Topics: Amazon, PC, Steam, PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
PC and console players are mourning a major RPG released in 2021 that could soon face a server shutdown.
To be fair, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise when any servers get shut down for a video game, especially if it has regular sequels. After all, when each new sequel arrives, concurrent numbers of the predecessor will naturally dwindle with players eager to play with the new shiny toy.
However, when it’s a standalone RPG that has seen great success and receives regular content updates, and was released not that long ago, that does come as a surprise, somewhat. The game in question is the MMORPG from Amazon Games, namely, New World: Aeternum, released on PC in 2021, and then on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2024.
At its peak, according to SteamDB, New World: Aeternum had well over 900,000 concurrent players and over the last 24 hours, that number is nearly 36,000, which isn't too bad for a game that was released four years ago.
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“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,” reads a statement on the game's official website.
“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.”
The update went on to say that the “intention is to keep servers operating through 2026,” and that New World: Aeternum will still be downloadable for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers.
I think the word to take from the paragraph above is “intention”, which doesn't sound all that convincing to me. It really wouldn't surprise me if the servers are shut down for good next year, once players feel there’s nothing to hook them back into the game.
I think one of the more surprising factors of New World: Aeternum’s content support ending is that it was only released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S last year.
According to the FAQ, the game is not being sunset (closed) “at this time”; again, that doesn't sound too convincing, and you will still be able to buy in-game currency. I would strongly advise against purchasing in-game currency from this moment, because there’s no telling when the plug will be pulled.
“Some” seasonal events will continue, but there will no longer be holiday events. New World: Aeternum will still receive reported bug fixes, but no refunds will be given for ‘Marks of Fortune’ purchases.
Naturally, fans of New World: Aeternum are not too pleased following this unfortunate update.
“Everyone who purchased an expansion or Marks in 2025 should be refunded. Period. This isn’t something that happened overnight. This was something that had been brewing for a while, and allowing people to continue making purchases — and STILL allowing it for 2026 — is gross,” vented bswagz88.
“An MMO of great potential, very unique, and the only one with Soulslike combat and aesthetic. This is a huge blow for the MMO scene,” exclaimed VeNoMzShibe.
“This is shocking news. The game is currently in a great state, and overall, it has always been seriously underrated,” said JexonHP.
New World: Aeternum is available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S with cross-play. At the moment.