In a significant move, Amazon has announced the closure of the official forums for New World, a popular MMORPG, in favor of Discord. This decision mirrors a similar shift for Lost Ark, another game under Amazon's umbrella. The forums will remain accessible for reading purposes after the shutdown, but posting will cease on May 1st. This transition reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where traditional forums are being replaced by more dynamic platforms like Discord.

Background

Forums have long been a staple of online gaming communities, serving as a central hub for discussion, feedback, and interaction between players and developers. However, with the rise of social media and communication platforms like Discord, many companies are reassessing their engagement strategies. Discord offers real-time communication, voice chat, and community features that can enhance player interaction and engagement.

The Decision to Shut Down Forums

Amazon's decision to sunset the New World forums was announced on the forums themselves, with a message explaining the rationale behind this move. The company aims to focus on providing quality engagement opportunities through Discord, leveraging its features and accessibility to create a more centralized and easily accessible platform for players.

Impact on the Community

The reaction from the New World community has been mixed. While some appreciate the potential benefits of Discord, others lament the loss of traditional forums. Forums provide a structured environment for discussions, making it easier to track and reference past conversations. In contrast, Discord's ephemeral nature can make it difficult to keep track of important information or historical feedback.

Future Plans

Amazon plans to maintain the forums in a read-only state for some time, allowing players to access historical content. The company will also catalog player feedback to ensure that valuable insights are not lost. Additionally, Amazon is expanding its presence on the New World subreddit, offering another channel for community engagement.

In the context of New World's transition away from traditional forums, players are also considering how this change might affect in-game transactions and discussions related to new world coins. As communities move to platforms like Discord, there is a growing interest in how these platforms can facilitate discussions about in-game currencies and trading strategies. This shift highlights the evolving role of community engagement platforms in supporting all aspects of gaming, including economic aspects such as the exchange and use of virtual coins.

Conclusion

The shutdown of New World forums marks a significant shift in how game developers engage with their communities. While Discord offers many advantages, it remains to be seen whether it can fully replace the structured discussion environment that traditional forums provide. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how other titles adapt to these changes and whether forums will continue to play a role in community engagement.

Update: As of May 1st, the forums are no longer accepting new posts, but they remain available for reading. Players are encouraged to join the official Discord servers for ongoing discussions and community activities.