**Amazon Nixes Second Try at Lord of the Rings MMO Amid Major Job Cuts**
In an unexpected development, Amazon has allegedly scrapped its second effort to create a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game inspired by the cherished “Lord of the Rings” series. This choice follows recent widespread layoffs within the company, according to an unnamed source.
This cancellation represents the second instance of Amazon terminating attempts to develop a “Lord of the Rings” MMO. The initial effort was abandoned in 2021 after a conflict with Chinese technology behemoth Tencent, which acquired Leyou Technologies, a collaborator on the game’s production. This new cancellation indicates persistent difficulties within Amazon’s gaming sector.
The decision is part of a larger reorganization within Amazon Games, which has been hit by considerable layoffs. These job cuts have also affected other initiatives, such as the well-received MMO “New World,” which will not be expanded going forward.
Amazon’s foray into gaming has encountered multiple obstacles, with a number of prominent projects either being canceled or postponed. The company’s aspiration to secure a position as a key player in the gaming realm has experienced mixed outcomes, despite considerable financial backing.
The “Lord of the Rings” series, known for its deep lore and vast universe, has always been viewed as a potentially strong base for an MMO. Enthusiasts of the franchise have voiced their dissatisfaction over the cancellation, as many were looking forward to experiencing Middle-earth in a fresh interactive way.
As Amazon attempts to address the issues within its gaming sector, the prospects of its engagement with the “Lord of the Rings” franchise remain ambiguous. For the time being, fans will need to wait and see if another effort to introduce Middle-earth to the MMO space will arise.