The online role-playing game “Throne and Freedom” is facing major changes in its operation and management. Korean game developer NC (formerly NCSOFT) and its subsidiary FirstSpark Games have announced that global distribution of the MMORPG will be transferred from Amazon Game Studios to NC later this year. The purpose of this change is to unite players around the world through the manufacturer’s internal online services and put management of the game directly into the development team.
The transition of publishing services will be gradually prepared and completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. NC stated that this change will not have a negative impact on the game progress of existing communities on PC (Steam), Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 platforms. All game data, including character progression, inventory items, and in-game currency Lucent, are fully preserved. Once the migration is complete, players will simply need to agree to NC’s updated Terms of Service to continue playing with their usual accounts.
A core component of the transformation is the consolidation of networks. In the future, users of all console and PC systems will be seamlessly brought together in a common gaming environment with players on NC’s own PURPLE platform. Development studio FirstSpark Games CEO Moonyoung Choi thanked Amazon Game Studios for its successful sales and partnerships so far, but stressed that direct developer support for the game is the best step for the brand’s future.
Thrones and Freedom launched in October 2024 and quickly became one of the most successful MMO releases in recent years, with a large number of players across various platforms. This free-to-play game features rich PvP and PvE content, dynamic transition mechanics, and extensive guild battles. By taking over distribution rights, NC assumes long-term responsibility for ongoing operations and future content updates.
Amazon Game Studios, on the other hand, has adjusted its focus in the gaming space. After the expansion or termination of its own major projects, and the expiration of contracts such as “Lost Ark”, Amazon is gradually withdrawing from the live broadcast service operation of external MMOs in Asia. The organization’s focus is increasingly turning to other technologies and formats.
