The Chief Operations Officer of Facepunch Studios, the developer behind the popular survival game Rust, has made headlines with a bold $25 million proposal to rescue Amazon Games’ MMORPG, New World, which is set to go offline.
The Rise and Fall of New World
When New World launched in September 2021, it quickly became a sensation, reaching nearly one million concurrent players on Steam. However, the initial excitement was fleeting, and player numbers dipped sharply within a few months, ultimately falling to just thousands. Several attempts to rejuvenate the game—including the 2024 relaunch as New World: Aeternum, various expansions, and promotional free play weekends—failed to revive its fading player base.
Final Update from Developers
On October 28, 2025, developers confirmed that there would be no further updates for the game, leading to the announcement of a shutdown date. By January 31, 2027, New World’s servers will be permanently offline, barring any intervention.
Current Status: As of January 15, 2026, New World has been removed from all digital storefronts. Players who currently own the game can continue to access it until the shutdown date.
Facepunch Studios’ Alistair McFarlane Steps In
Amidst the outcry from gamers about the trend of online-only games disappearing, Alistair McFarlane, who has spent over ten years with Facepunch Studios and currently serves as Chief Operations Officer, stepped forward with a significant offer. Posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), McFarlane stated, “Games should never die, ” while pitching his $25 million proposal to Amazon Games.
25m, final offer @amazongames
— Alistair McFarlane (@Alistair_McF) January 15, 2026
Empowering the Community
McFarlane’s vision for the future of New World involves empowering its community by allowing public server hosting. He believes that “a game will live forever in the hands of a dedicated community, ” suggesting a shift toward more player involvement and control over the game’s lifecycle.
Responses from Other Developers
There remains uncertainty about whether Amazon Games will consider McFarlane’s intriguing offer, as well as whether the proposed $25 million would sway them. Notably, Simon Collins-Laflamme, the creator of the anticipated title Hytale, which has gained immense popularity in 2026, responded to McFarlane’s bid, offering advice on acquiring canceled games.
“If you need tips about buying canceled games, [let me know], ” Collins-Laflamme commented, potentially opening the door for a new collaborative endeavor in the gaming industry.
As discussions unfold surrounding New World, this situation highlights a broader concern in the gaming community regarding the longevity and preservation of online games. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future games on the brink of disappearing.
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