The recent layoffs at Amazon have sent shockwaves through its gaming division, raising serious concerns about the future of its highly anticipated Lord of the Rings MMO. A former developer hinted in a LinkedIn post that the game’s development has ground to a halt, implying a potential cancellation.
While the wording in the now-unavailable post from a former senior gameplay engineer doesn’t directly state the game is cancelled, the situation is alarming. Amazon has yet to make an official announcement regarding the LOTR game, in contrast to their clear communication about ceasing updates for New World. Yet, it appears that the majority of the team working on the game was part of the substantially downsized staff during the recent layoffs; about 14,000 positions were cut.
Amazon has also cancelled their Lord Of The Rings MMO as part of recent layoffs, according to a now-former senior gameplay engineer at Amazon Games pic.twitter.com/sssLik4z9I
— MMO Intel (@IntelMMO) October 30, 2025
This marks the second cancellation for Amazon’s Lord of the Rings MMO. Initially, in 2021, after two years of development, the project was halted following Tencent’s acquisition of Leyou Technologies, one of Amazon’s partner developers. Amazon faced difficulties in renegotiating terms, which led to the discontinuation of the game.
Fast forward to 2023, Amazon sought a fresh start by teaming up with Embracer Group and Middle-earth Enterprises to proceed with the game, free from Tencent’s influence. The hope was to deliver an open-world MMO experience, but it seems Amazon’s internal challenges were insurmountable yet again. Now, just two years later, the future of this promising title appears bleak.
It’s noteworthy that every major development concerning this game has occurred in two-year intervals: the original announcement in 2019, the first cancellation in 2021, new development in 2023, and now hints of a second cancellation in 2025. This pattern raises questions about an internal cycle within Amazon, suggesting that if there’s ever another chance to leverage Lord of the Rings assets, it might be a long time coming.
As it stands, we await Amazon’s official statement on this possible cancellation. The situation is disappointing, particularly for fans who had high hopes that this MMO, rooted in a beloved franchise, would elevate Amazon Games to new heights.
What caused the recent layoffs at Amazon?
The layoffs were part of a massive reduction, slashing around 14,000 positions across various departments, including its gaming division.
How did the previous partnership with Tencent affect the game’s development?
The acquisition of Leyou Technologies by Tencent forced Amazon to halt development due to failure to reach new agreements with the new corporate structure.
Can Amazon Games recover from this setback?
While setbacks are challenging, Amazon has significant resources. However, effective leadership and innovative strategies will be crucial to future successes.
Is there any hope for the Lord of the Rings MMO to be revived?
Until Amazon provides clarity, speculation remains. Given their previous attempts, there’s always a chance they might revisit the idea in the future.
Are there other Middle-earth games in development?
Currently, no announcements have been made regarding other Middle-earth game projects, making the landscape uncertain for fans.
In conclusion, while the news surrounding Amazon’s Lord of the Rings MMO is disheartening, it also serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of game development. Stay tuned for updates and continue exploring related content to keep yourself in the loop about the ever-evolving gaming industry. For more insightful articles and discussions, check out Moyens I/O.