This overlooked Amazon MMO is about to get a huge relaunch on Xbox, and its open beta goes live this weekend

This overlooked Amazon MMO is about to get a huge relaunch on Xbox, and its open beta goes live this weekend

What you need to know

  • New World is a 2021 MMORPG from Amazon Games. Though the PC game had a hugely successful wave of initial success, it sharply fell off after a few months due to its lack of content and some issues with its gameplay and questing.
  • Various post-launch updates and even a full DLC have failed to adequately address these problems and get players interested again, so Amazon Games is opting for a different approach with a full relaunch titled New World: Aeternum.
  • This revamped “definitive edition” of the game will overhaul its writing and storytelling, add a large-scale PvP zone, a new 10-player raid, and more. It’s also bringing New World to Xbox Series X|S and PS5 as well as PC.
  • New World: Aeternum is slated to release in full on October 15, but this weekend from September 13-16, you can try it out for free on all three of the aforementioned platforms thanks to an open beta that’s available to preload now.

As someone who has been observing the gaming industry for over two decades, I have to say that the saga of Amazon Games’ MMORPG New World is one that truly stands out. The game’s initial success was undeniably impressive, but its rapid decline left many players – myself included – scratching their heads.


Among all the games that might be fleetingly popular, Amazon Games’ fantasy MMORPG New World stands out prominently to me. Launched on Steam in 2021, the game initially experienced massive success, reaching a peak concurrent player count of 913,634 according to SteamDB data. However, this popularity waned dramatically as we moved into early 2022. By February of that year, there were typically fewer than 100,000 players online at any given moment, and its player base has continued to dwindle since then. Today, the average number of players ranges from 4,000 to 5,000.

Fundamentally, the reasons for its decline can be traced back to insufficient content, underwhelming player-versus-environment combat, uninteresting quests, and dull writing – all issues I pointed out in my initial review of New World, which also included excessive running from one point to another before mounts were introduced. Unfortunately, Amazon Games hasn’t fully resolved these problems with updates. However, they are preparing for a significant overhaul next month with a complete relaunch. Known as New World: Aeternum, this enhanced version of the MMO is set to debut on October 15 and will be available not just on PC, but also on Xbox Series X|S and PS5.

The main aspect of the update is the improved console accessibility, but there are numerous other features as well. Earlier in the year, developers disclosed several additional improvements such as an overhauled narrative style with superior dialogue and cinematics, both in-game and pre-rendered, the introduction of a massive Player versus Player (PvP) zone, a demanding 10-player raid, new solo end-game trials, among other things. They also mentioned that it includes everything from the original game and its Rise of the Angry Earth DLC. Although the complete release of Aeternum is yet another month away, you can get a taste of it during this weekend’s open beta, thanks to it being available for free.

The Open Beta for “The New World: Aeternum” begins on September 13 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time / 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and ends on September 16, with the same timeframe for all platforms. This beta is accessible on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (via Steam), and PS5. It’s worth mentioning that you can preload the beta now on all these platforms, allowing players to install it beforehand so they can jump right into playing when it goes live.

One point to note is that if you join this playtest, you could earn some special beta perks in the final game. Specifically, Amazon Games has highlighted the Aeternian Adventurer skin for your character, but based on the beta’s description on their store pages, there may be additional rewards up for grabs too.

As per the official FAQ for the beta version of New World: Aeternum, this weekend’s test run will offer all content accessible before Level 31. Once the level cap of 30 is reached, players can continue playing but won’t be able to advance beyond it. During gameplay, players will have access to PvE Expeditions, open-world Influence Race PvP, and PvP 3v3 Arenas after reaching Level 20. However, beta testers won’t be allowed to use New World’s in-game microtransactions store. The FAQ also confirms that cross-play support between Xbox, PlayStation, consoles, and PC will be available during the full launch of New World: Aeternum, meaning players on different platforms can join together.

This overlooked Amazon MMO is about to get a huge relaunch on Xbox, and its open beta goes live this weekend

Unfortunately, I won’t get a chance to play games extensively this weekend, which means I won’t be participating in the beta. Despite my limited gaming schedule this weekend, I’m quite interested in checking out Amazon Games’ latest attempt at reviving their struggling MMO, New World, given its unique blend of 16th-century themes and fantasy elements, as well as its welcoming atmosphere for casual players. Although I may have been critical a few years ago, I did find it enjoyable, so I wouldn’t mind returning if there are compelling reasons to do so. It’s great that they’ve added mounts now!

Although players who left earlier and console users may be excited about New World: Aeternum, long-time players have been harshly critical of the relaunch since it was unveiled. A quick glance at the comments on the linked trailer and developer overview reveals that many feel they were misled when they believed a comprehensive overhaul was coming. In essence, they feel Aeternum isn’t delivering anything substantial enough to justify their trust. One comment reads, “I’m completely shocked by what you just announced. I’ve never felt let down by a gaming studio like this before. This is crazy.

In the long run, we’ll see if New World: Aeternum is the multiplayer game that revives Amazon Games, or if it’s destined to be another misstep. It’s set to release on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5 on October 15 for $59.99, with pre-orders available at the moment.

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2024-09-12 21:39