Amazon Cancelled MMO-RPG Based on Lord of the Rings Universe

In 2023, Amazon announced the development of an MMO-RPG based on Lord of the Rings franchise. We haven’t heard much about the project since then, and the footage of the game was never revealed. After a series of layoffs at Amazon Games and other issues during the development process, the game is confirmed to be cancelled.

Amazon’s Head of Games, Jeff Grattis, recently spoke to Eurogamer and released a statement about the cancellation of Lord of the Rings MMO title, as well as another studio’s gen-AI title—Project Trident. However, he also confirmed that the studio is still looking to develop Lord of the Rings universe in the future, as you can check out below:

“Our creative team continues to explore a compelling new game experience that does justice to Tolkien's world; we are working closely with Middle-earth and remain excited about the IP.”

Despite the cancellation of Lord of the Rings MMO by Amazon, there are some games that take place within the iconic universe that might be on the horizon. Specifically, this March, Insider Gaming shared an exclusive report that Crystal Dynamics (Tomb Raider game series) is working on Lord of the Rings video game—which will be an action-RPG title with a budget of over $100 million. Moreover, there are rumors that Warhorse Studios (Kingdom Come: Deliverance franchise) is also developing a Lord of the Rings title, which is more exciting news for the fans—especially if the game is about to be an RPG, just like the studio’s last year’s hit, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

One way or another, despite Amazon's project cancellation, we will likely see at least one game in the franchise in the coming years.

Are you disappointed that Amazon cancelled an MMO based on Lord of the Rings franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!