Amazon Game Studios have semi-pulled the plug on New World: Aeternum last week, after a ton of really ugly lay-offs, with Season 10: Nighthaven being the final content update to the game. The game is not completely shuttered, though. AGS intents to keep the game servers running through 2026, but the game is not available to purchase anymore on Steam. So, if you have bought New World and it’s been collecting dust in your digital library, now is a good time to jump into it and play as long as you can. As for Amazon really keeping the game going through next year, we will just have to wait and see.
New World released back in 2021 to mixed reviews. There were a bunch of issues with the game on release, like servers not being able to handle the huge load of people wanting to play. Later on, AGS released the expansion pack Rise of the Angry Earth, which introduced mounts and other gameplay enhancements. In 2024 New World got renamed New World: Aeternum and added the base game and the expansion into one neat package, along with updates, especially for PC gamers.
But even with it’s share of issues, the game is good, solid fun. The setting of the 17th century, during the Age of Exploration is quite unique, with the twist that anyone landing on Aeternum, the eponymous island New World takes place on, becomes immortal and cannot escape. The world map is sprinkled with scrolls, books and parchments full of real world historical references. The aesthetics of the different areas of the world are each inspired by different cultures, like the Romans, Egyptians and Chinese.
The game also has survival elements, with gathering resources and crafting, camp building in the wilderness, hunting and fishing; resources which you could sell at the trading posts in each city, giving it a distinct frontier adventure feel, of exploring an uncharted land.
Check out the official statement of the developers below.
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.
