Amazon has announced that its fantasy MMORPG, New World, will cease operations, leaving players and developers alike expressing disappointment. As of now, there are no plans for future downloadable content (DLC) or updates for the game, which has been live for four years. This decision marks a significant turn for a title that had initially garnered attention for its immersive gameplay and promising features.
In a candid response, John “Bucky” Buckley, communications director and publishing manager for Pocketpair, shared his thoughts on the cancellation via social media. He expressed his feelings by stating, “Very sad to hear about New World.” In a light-hearted tone, he added, “That said, if Amazon want to slip me the files for the 2019 version of the game (the PvP version), then my DMs are open.” Buckley’s comments underscore the mixed emotions surrounding the game’s closure and hint at a desire for revival.
Community Response Highlights Sound Design Praise
Buckley also took the opportunity to commend the sound design team behind New World. He remarked, “Finally, whoever did the sound design on New World deserves everything,” crediting their work as exemplary. His admiration extended to their creative process, noting, “They did a bunch of sound design videos on their YouTube, and they are great. You can tell they loved their work, and it shows. Probably some of the best sound design in a game… ever?”
The sentiment was echoed by many in the gaming community. One fan remarked, “New World had God-tier sound design and, with time, could have been a legendary game. Sad to see potential snuffed out.” Another player described the sound design as “next level stuff,” emphasizing the game’s audio experience. Specific sound effects, such as the “most satisfying wood chopping sound in all of video games,” received particular praise, illustrating how deeply the community appreciated the game’s design elements.
Further discussions on social media revealed players reminiscing about the audio experience, with one user exclaiming, “The sound design in New World is absolutely phenomenal. Those echoes when mining? Chef’s kiss.” Positive reviews on the official Steam page also highlighted the game’s graphics and sound effects, contributing to its immersive quality. One player wrote, “The graphics and sound effects are really good, making the game very immersive.”
Future of New World and Its Community
Despite the closure of New World, Amazon has assured players that its servers will remain operational through 2026. However, newcomers will not be able to purchase the game, effectively sealing its fate in the gaming landscape. The community’s collective disappointment is palpable, as many had hoped for a revival or at least an expansion of its features.
In a reflective moment, a former lead from World of Warcraft acknowledged the efforts of the New World development team. He expressed gratitude to those who “tried to keep the MMO dream alive,” highlighting the challenges faced by developers in the competitive gaming industry.
As the gaming world bids farewell to New World, the lingering impact of its sound design and community engagement will likely resonate for years to come, even as players navigate the next chapter of their gaming experiences.
