The global version of 'Lost Ark,' previously serviced by Amazon Games, will be transferred to its developer, Smilegate.

Amazon Games announced on its official website today (the 12nd) that it will end its publishing of the global version of 'Lost Ark' in early 2027. However, this does not mean the global service for 'Lost Ark' itself is shutting down. After the publishing agreement ends, Smilegate, the developer and current provider of the domestic service, will take over direct management of the global service.

While the service provider is changing to Smilegate, most existing user data will be preserved. Amazon Games stated that there will be no changes to Steam accounts, characters, progress, inventory, platform (Steam), game data and permissions, wallet balances, game access rights, character names, or preset names.

However, some elements, including in-game mail, friend lists, block lists, and chat data, will not be transferred. Amazon Games explained that they are providing advance notice of which data will and will not be transferred to give users time to prepare. They added, "If there are any items in your mail that you wish to keep, please claim them before the service transfer."

The service transfer is scheduled to be completed in early 2027. Until then, the service will continue to be provided through Amazon Games as usual, with content updates and events proceeding normally. Once the transfer is complete, players will need to complete an initial login process to link their Steam account to the Smilegate platform in order to access the game.

Users who do not wish to have their account data transferred can opt out by submitting a request. Applications can be made on the official global server website from August 12 until the service transfer takes place.

Meanwhile, in a developer letter regarding the service transfer, Smilegate explained that the decision was made to communicate more closely with users: "We aim to build a system where we can better listen to your feedback and reflect it more quickly. This decision stems from a simple desire we have as a development studio: we want to take full responsibility for and complete the game we created from start to finish."

The global service transfer for 'Lost Ark' will take place in early 2027, with a specific schedule to be announced at a later date.

The global service of 'Lost Ark' is one of the most successful examples of a Korean game launching globally. It received immense worldwide attention, recording a peak of 1.32 million concurrent users on Steam immediately after launch. However, the number of users has steadily declined since then, and it currently falls below 10k in terms of peak concurrent users.