storefrontlegalNew-World

Delisting and Refunds: What Players Need to Know When Games Go Off Sale

UUnknown

2026-02-16

9 min read

Understand refunds, re-download rights and options when games are delisted—New World is the 2026 case study you need.

When a favorite game drops from stores, what happens to your purchases, progress and virtual wallets?

Delisting and shutdown announcements are now an unfortunate part of modern gaming. They hit the same sore spots gamers complain about most: scattered purchases, confusing reward systems and unclear refund rules. In 2026 these questions are urgent — and Amazon's New World delist makes a perfect, timely example of what players need to know and do.

The short version: What happened with New World (and why it matters)

In late 2026 (announcement posted in early 2026), Amazon announced that New World will be delisted and removed from sale immediately and that its servers will be taken offline on January 31, 2027. The company confirmed that owners can continue playing and will be allowed to re-download the game up to the shutdown date. Crucially, Amazon also said that certain in-game currency purchases (Marks of Fortune) will stop being sold from July 20, 2026, and that refunds will not be issued for those currency purchases.

"We are grateful for the time spent crafting the world of Aeternum with you… We look forward to one more year together, and giving this fantastic adventure a sendoff worthy of a legendary hero." — New World announcement

This scenario is the textbook example of the two separate but related events players need to understand: delisting (no new purchases) and shutdown (servers turned off). Each has different impacts on refunds, re-download access and virtual goods.

Delisting vs Shutdown: What each means for gamers

Delisting (removed from storefronts)

What it is: The game is removed from sale on digital storefronts. New customers can't buy it.
Immediate effect: You can usually still play if you already own it. Platforms often keep owners' download rights active until further notice.
Common follow-ups: Developers may cut back updates, stop selling in-game currency or announce a shutdown date.

Shutdown (servers go offline)

What it is: Online services (logins, matchmaking, persistent worlds) are terminated.
Immediate effect: Multiplayer functionality often goes dark. Local single-player modes may remain if the developer architected them that way.
Long-term effect: Re-downloads may be blocked after shutdown; cloud saves and official server-side data are typically removed on the shutdown date.

How refunds are handled — the messy reality

There is no single global rulebook for refunds when games are delisted or shut down. Refunds depend on:

Platform policy (Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, Nintendo eShop, Epic, Amazon, App Store, Google Play)
Type of purchase (full game, DLC, season pass, consumable virtual currency, non-consumable items)
Timing (purchase date vs announcement and shutdown date)
Local consumer law (your country's digital consumer protections)

Key patterns to watch

Many storefronts allow refunds for game purchases within a limited time window (commonly two weeks or similar), but policies differ in detail.
Consumable in-game currency is frequently excluded from refunds once purchased or once partially used. Some companies explicitly refuse refunds for currency purchases even when they stop selling them.
When a developer delists a game but keeps servers running, platforms often treat it like any other purchase — refunds are not automatic just because a title was delisted.
In some jurisdictions (notably several EU countries), consumer protection laws can require remedies for digital purchases that stop working or lack promised features; this can strengthen players' refund arguments.

New World specifics (what Amazon announced and the practical fallout)

New World was delisted immediately, but servers remain available until January 31, 2027.
Owners can re-download and play up to the shutdown date.
Amazon will stop selling the in-game currency Marks of Fortune starting July 20, 2026.
Amazon stated that refunds will not be offered for Marks of Fortune purchases.

That mix of moves is common: cut currency sales early to prevent last-minute purchases, confirm continued play for a window, then end service on a set date. For players, the risk is that money spent on consumable currency may effectively be lost if the currency is non-refundable and cannot be used before shutdown.

Practical actions players should take now

If a game you own is delisted or headed for shutdown, take these practical steps immediately:

Stop buying consumable currency you can’t refund. If the developer cuts off sales, assume refunds won’t be offered.
Use existing currency on durable, non-consumable items you intend to keep (customization items, single-player DLC, etc.), if available.
Document purchases: Save receipts, payment confirmations, and store transaction IDs. These are essential if you later ask for a refund.
Back up local saves and screenshots: Export local saves when possible. For PC games, copy save files; for consoles, download saves from cloud storage where allowed.
Re-download now if you rely on having a local copy. Platforms typically allow re-download until servers are taken offline, but don't wait until the last week.
Contact support early: Open tickets with both the developer and the storefront to record your case and request guidance.
Check your legal rights: If you live in the EU or other regions with strong digital consumer protections, research whether those laws apply to your purchase.

How to request a refund — an actionable workflow

Gather evidence: receipt, date of purchase, amount spent, and a screenshot of the developer/store announcement (date-stamped).
Open a support ticket with the platform where you bought the currency/game. Use the store's refund form if available.
If the platform refuses, contact the developer with the same documentation and a clear request (refund, in-game credit conversion, or compensation).
If both refuse, consider bank or card chargeback as a last resort — be aware of risks: it can violate platform terms and sometimes lead to account sanctions.
File a complaint with your local consumer protection agency if you believe your legal rights were violated (especially viable in the EU and some U.S. states).

Re-downloads, saves and access — the preservation checklist

Re-download access often continues while a publisher maintains storefront download keys or files. But cloud saves and server-side data are usually tied to an active service. To preserve as much as possible:

Re-download installers or clients while available.
Backup local save files for PC and supported platforms.
Export account data where the developer offers it (settings, cosmetic inventories, achievement lists).
Check for single-player or offline modes: Some titles can continue functioning offline; others depend on server-side checks and will stop working.
Use community resources: Fans sometimes produce guides, tools, or archives to preserve single-player experiences. Use them cautiously and respect IP and legal boundaries.

Developer best practices for sunsetting games (what studios should do)

Developers who plan to delist or shut down a game can protect players and reputations by following clear, player-first practices:

Announce early and clearly: Public timeline, sale cutoff, currency cutoffs and shutdown date.
Cease currency sales early: But offer refunds or conversions for unused, purchased virtual currency where feasible.
Preserve player data temporarily: Keep cloud saves and account exports available during wind-down and provide a path to export or transfer critical items.
Open-source or release tools: When possible, provide server code or tooling to support community-run servers (with appropriate licensing), or provide an offline mode patch.
Work with platforms: Coordinate with storefronts to ensure re-downloads remain available through the shutdown window, and that players get accurate refund guidance.
Communicate refunds policy publicly: If refunds are not possible, explain why and offer alternatives such as in-store credit or transfers where reasonable.

Legal context and 2026 trends

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw a rise in delistings and shutdowns as publishers re-focused portfolios after cost-cutting and layoff waves. Regulators and consumer groups pushed for more transparent sunset policies, and some regions expanded protections for digital content.

What to expect in 2026:

More standardized sunset policies: Platforms are under pressure to publish clear rules about delisting, re-downloads and virtual currency refunds.
Greater regulatory scrutiny: Consumer protection authorities in several countries have been investigating digital goods and may require better remedies in the event of shutdowns.
Developer accountability: Players increasingly expect exit plans that include refunds or migration paths for purchased content.

When refunds aren't available: alternatives and mitigations

If a refund is denied or not possible, consider these practical mitigations:

Ask for in-store credit on the platform, which can at least be used elsewhere.
Request compensation: cosmetic items, legacy access on a different platform, or a migration plan to a successor product.
Community-led preservation: Fan-run servers, resource archives and modding communities sometimes keep a game's spirit alive — though these options can be legally and technically complex.

Case studies and lessons from recent delistings

Several high-profile closures in the last few years show different approaches. Some studios offered refunds for unused currency or converted balances into store credit; others closed without refunding consumables. The best outcomes came when publishers:

Gave at least 6–12 months' notice
Stopped selling consumables early and advertised that decision
Provided export tools and a timeline for cloud-save retention

Checklist: Your immediate 10-step plan if a game you play is delisted

Read the official announcement carefully (dates, currency cutoffs, refund statements).
Stop buying consumable currency immediately.
Spend currency on durable items you want to keep.
Download and back up the game client and saves.
Screenshot and save receipts and transactions.
Open official support tickets with the developer and storefront.
Check local consumer protection laws and guidance.
Consider asking for store credit if refunds are refused.
Join community groups to learn preservation options.
Plan to play and enjoy the game during the remaining window — don’t let FOMO force risky purchases.

Final takeaways — what every player should remember

Delisting doesn't automatically equal refunds. Platform policies and local laws matter. Consumable in-game currencies are the riskiest purchases when shutdowns loom. Use the remaining window to back up, spend wisely, and document everything.

Amazon's New World example in 2026 shows a common pattern: delist immediately, stop currency sales months before the server shutdown, and allow re-downloads until the shutdown date. That pattern gives players time — but also forces smart decisions about currency and documentation.

Resources and where to get help

Platform support pages (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Epic, Apple, Google)
Developer / publisher support portals and official announcements
Local consumer protection agency websites for legal guidance
Community-run preservation groups and forums (use cautiously)

Call to action

If your library includes a delisted or sunsetted title, act now: check the announcement, back up your data, stop buying consumables, and open support tickets documenting your case. Want a ready-made checklist and email template to request refunds or store credit? Subscribe to our newsletter for downloadable templates, platform-specific guides and up-to-the-minute policy tracking so you never lose what you paid for.

Unknown

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.