Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMO — Again

Another LOTR MMO Bites the Dust

Amazon Games has officially cancelled its The Lord of the Rings MMO, ending what was at least the third attempt to bring a massive multiplayer game set in Middle-earth to market. The company issued a statement saying it continues to explore a new game experience set in Tolkien's universe, but offered no specifics.

A Pattern of Cancellations

The gaming community reacted with weary familiarity. "Isn't this like the third attempt at a LOTR MMO they have cancelled?" was among the top Reddit comments. Others pointed out that MMOs are arguably the hardest games to build, requiring enormous budgets, years of development, and perpetual live-service operations after launch.

Amazon's Troubled Gaming Division

Amazon Games has had a rocky history with multiplayer titles. Critics suggest the company should focus on smaller, single-player experiences rather than repeatedly betting on the most complex genre in gaming. The comparison to Disney's handling of Star Wars IP was frequently drawn in community discussions.

What Comes Next?

With the MMO cancelled, what Amazon's new game experience in Middle-earth looks like remains unclear. Fans are skeptical that the promise will materialize into anything substantial, given the pattern of cancellations surrounding the IP.