Amazon exits MMO publishing: Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark

Amazon Games is stepping away from publishing two major MMOs, Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark. The company announced that it will no longer be involved with these titles, transferring operations to their respective developers.

Throne and Liberty

Developed by NCSoft, Throne and Liberty will see its publishing rights transition to the Korean studio. Amazon Games had been the global publisher for the game, which launched in the West in 2024. The move means NCSoft will directly manage the game's live operations, updates, and community engagement for all regions.

Lost Ark

Similarly, Lost Ark, developed by Smilegate, will return to the developer's control. Amazon Games had served as the publisher for the Western release, handling localization and live services. Smilegate will now oversee the game's Western operations, including future content and events.

Why the change?

Amazon Games did not provide a detailed public explanation for the decision, but industry sources suggest a strategic shift in the company's focus. Amazon has been investing heavily in original game development, with titles like New World and the upcoming Blue Protocol (in partnership with Bandai Namco) taking priority. Exiting third-party publishing allows Amazon to concentrate resources on its own intellectual properties.

Impact on players

For players, the transition is expected to be seamless. Both NCSoft and Smilegate have extensive experience running their respective games in other regions. Accounts, characters, and progress are expected to carry over without interruption. Customer support and community management will shift to the developers' teams, and players should direct future inquiries to the official channels of each game.

Amazon Games thanked players for their support during its time as publisher and expressed confidence in the developers' ability to continue delivering quality experiences.

Timeline and next steps

The handover will occur in phases, with Amazon Games ceasing publishing activities for both titles by the end of 2025. Specific dates for the transfer of services will be announced by NCSoft and Smilegate in the coming months. Players are advised to follow official announcements from the developers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

This move marks a significant shift in Amazon's gaming strategy, signaling a clear focus on building and publishing its own games rather than partnering on external projects. It remains to be seen how this will affect the long-term success of Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark, but both developers have a proven track record of sustaining successful MMOs.