Amazon Games Shifts Strategy: Handing Back Reins for Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty
In a significant strategic pivot, Amazon Games has confirmed it will step down as the global publisher for two of its major MMORPG titles, Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. By early 2027, the publishing responsibilities for both games will be fully transitioned back to their original developers, marking a major shift in how these titles will be managed on the international stage.
The Transition Timeline and Developer Takeover
The roadmap for this handover is already set. For Throne and Liberty, the transition from Amazon Game Studios to NC’s internal publishing infrastructure is slated for completion by the end of the fourth quarter of 2026. Shortly thereafter, in early 2027, Amazon will officially cease its live service operations for Lost Ark, at which point Smilegate will assume full control of the title’s global presence.
This move mirrors a growing trend in the gaming industry where developers are increasingly opting for vertical integration. By managing their own publishing, studios can maintain tighter control over community feedback loops and monetization strategies, rather than relying on third-party intermediaries.
Unifying the Global Player Base
Regarding the future of Throne and Liberty, NC is collaborating closely with FirstSpark Games-a dedicated studio under the NC umbrella-to consolidate the global player base into a single, streamlined service.
Moonyoung Choi, CEO of FirstSpark Games, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with Amazon, noting that the partnership was instrumental in the game’s initial launch. However, Choi emphasized that moving toward a direct-to-player model is the logical next step for the franchise. “Taking a more direct role in global publishing makes so much sense for us,” Choi stated, highlighting the company’s excitement to steer the game’s future internally.
Industry Context: The Shift Toward Direct Publishing
This decision comes at a time when the gaming industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Recent data suggests that developers are increasingly wary of the complexities involved in external publishing agreements, especially as the market for live-service games becomes more saturated. With the rise of AI-driven development tools-which many industry experts believe will significantly alter team structures and project scopes over the next three years-studios are prioritizing agility and direct communication with their player bases.
Related: Developers expect generative AI to impact roles and team sizes in the next three years
Smilegate has echoed these sentiments regarding Lost Ark, framing the transition as a beneficial evolution for the community. By returning the game to its creators, the developers aim to foster a more cohesive experience that aligns directly with their original vision for the title.
