‘New World’ release date: Amazon delays first-party MMORPG to August and its Closed Beta to July

Amazon Game Studios is delaying its debut first-party game “New World” for a third time, putting it 15 months later than its original schedule. The change has also affected the start of the Closed Beta program.

When is Amazon Game Studios’ ‘New World’ MMORPG launching?

The developer announced the release date change in the latest “New World” development update. This time, Amazon said it has been working on gameplay improvements based on the feedback it received from a Preview Event last August. And this task cannot be completed in time for the previously set July 2021 launch.

Some of the changes and improvements that Amazon added to its to-do list since the said Preview Event include polishing the combat system and expanding the weapon and armor options. Developers have also added quest variety, fishing, and a new region called Reekwater. Amazone added it “overhauled” the crafting system in “New World.” These gameplay features have convinced developers to push the game’s launch to Aug. 31, 2021.

Delays have become common occurrences in the video game industry over the last year as studios face difficulties and explore new work setups amid a pandemic. However, a previous report from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier said Amazon has also faced internal challenges since establishing its gaming division. The report noted that Amazon pursued building its own game engine instead of using what is already in the market like other long-time video game studios do. Add to that the apparent ambitious goals Amazon has for “New World,” which is not exactly a bad thing.

‘New World’ Closed Beta, pre-order editions

“New World” is set on a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean, named Aeternum, that players can invade and colonize. Some of its highlight gameplay features include sandbox exploration and character creation. Of course, multiplayer missions are the core of the game.

Unlike other MMORPGs, “New World” will not be free-to-play. Pre-order of the game has been available for a while now, with three editions available on Steam and Amazon.

The Standard Edition ($39.99) comes with the base game a few bonus content. The Deluxe Edition ($49.99) comes with more in-game items such as various Woodsman skins, a Mastiff pet, and the game’s digital art book. The most expensive option is the Steelbook Edition ($59.99) that comes with all mentioned content and exclusive physical items, including a map of the Aeternum Island and the official “New World” steelbook case. Getting any of the “New World” pre-order editions will give players access to the Closed Beta that will start on July 20.