Lost Ark & Throne and Liberty publishers exit the MMORPG market

A major shift is underway in the world of massive online games, as Amazon Game Studios announces its exit from the MMORPG scene entirely. The publisher, known for launching ambitious titles, has decided to refocus its creative energy elsewhere, signaling a change in how large-scale gaming empires are built and managed.

This move involves several high-profile titles. The journey began with Lost Ark, a game that initially put Amazon on the radar. It became one of the most successful launches on Steam and held a top seller spot for years. However, AGS has now announced it will be reverting both Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty back to their original developers.

For Lost Ark, this means a transition back to Smilegate. This decision comes as players have been keenly watching for news, especially after Amazon stopped selling the annual Crystalline Aura subscription just one year before the fifth anniversary.

While this shift might bring some sadness to dedicated players—as the game has continued to evolve—the game itself has seen significant improvements over time. The player base for Lost Ark has settled into a consistent rhythm, sitting between three and seven thousand concurrent players, reflecting solid longevity rather than explosive growth.

The complex process of transferring the intellectual property will unfold over time. Most of the game data and assets will be transferred in early 2027. The change primarily concerns player-facing elements, such as in-game mail (titles and body content), friends list memos, guild member nicknames, and chat history. Social accounts and official sites will also transition over to Smilegate.

Meanwhile, Throne and Liberty is being handled by NC Software. This title had already faced a period of intense excitement upon its release two years ago. NC has been entrusted with handling the next chapter of development, promising no changes to the gameplay environment or assets. While players will need to accept new terms of service, this transfer allows for continued momentum.

Amazon Game Studios’ evolution has been a journey of diversification. After focusing on the MMORPG space, the studio explored new horizons with titles like New World and Lost Ark. While the shift away from MMORPGs is notable, it reflects a larger industry trend where publishers are constantly seeking new ways to engage their audiences.

The experience of large-scale gaming development continues to evolve, proving that even when massive studios pivot, the core passion for engaging and long-lasting worlds remains the driving force behind the next great adventure.