Amazon Confirms New Lord of the Rings Game but MMO Is Dead
- Amazon has cancelled the development of its planned massively multiplayer online (MMO) game based on the works of J.R.R.
- Jeff Grattis, the head of games at Amazon, confirmed the cancellation on May 14, 2026.
- The cancellation follows reports that the project was halted after a round of layoffs at Amazon Games.
Amazon has cancelled the development of its planned massively multiplayer online (MMO) game based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The decision marks a significant shift for the company’s gaming ambitions within the Middle-earth universe.
Jeff Grattis, the head of games at Amazon, confirmed the cancellation on May 14, 2026. While the specific MMO project is dead, Grattis indicated that the studio intends to create a compelling new game experience
set in Tolkien’s world.
The cancellation follows reports that the project was halted after a round of layoffs at Amazon Games.
Original Project Scope and Development
The project was originally announced as a partnership between Amazon Games and Middle-earth Enterprises, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Embracer Group and part of the operative group Freemode.
The planned title was designed as an open-world MMO adventure featuring a persistent world. The game’s narrative was intended to incorporate stories from both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings literary trilogy.
Development was led by Amazon Games Orange County, the studio known for creating the open-world MMO New World. Amazon Games had planned to publish the title globally for both consoles and PC.
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Context
The Lord of the Rings project was part of a broader effort by Amazon Games to integrate established intellectual properties into its publishing portfolio. At the time of the original announcement, Christoph Hartmann, VP of Amazon Games, stated the company’s commitment to bringing high-quality games to players through both original and long-beloved IPs.
The collaboration with Middle-earth Enterprises was also an extension of a wider relationship with the Embracer Group, which had previously included a deal regarding the Tomb Raider franchise.
Lee Guinchard, CEO of Freemode, had previously expressed the ambition to create high-quality entertainment products for the IP, noting that Middle-earth serves as fertile ground for creators to build immersive worlds.
The shift away from the MMO format suggests a change in technical direction or a reduction in scope, though Amazon has not yet provided specific details on the nature of the new game experience it is exploring.