As we previously reported, New World players really really want to avoid the queue to join a server. While the initial wait time cannot be avoided, crafty players found a way to stay in the game once they're in - put something on the W key and leave your character running into a wall.

This became so widespread that running into "AFK rooms" wasn't uncommon at all. Now, it seems that the developers have had enough of this, as a recent announcement says that the AFK detection system will be amended, requiring more of players to actually be considered "active".

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To avoid this happening again, the devs aren't actually saying what the new AFK system is. However, as long as you're not purposely trying to stay in the game while you pop to the shops, you should be okay, as the statement reads: "We have every confidence that players who are playing New World normally will not experience any issues".

"We have seen a lot of frustration around individuals who may be artificially remaining active enough in servers to avoid the automatic AFK mitigation that is built into New World", reads the announcement. "We certainly agree that this is not acceptable behavior, especially when there are droves of individuals who are waiting patiently to get into a world."

If your character activity (or lack thereof) is detected by the new system, you will receive a "quick kick to the main menu". Repeated offences will result in "more harsh penalties", according to the update.

It's not known exactly when the system will come into effect. The update gives no specific date or time, other than that "results may not appear immediate". Again, this slow rollout could be to avoid players trying to crack the new system the day it's brought in.

While this will free up some space in the servers and help those at the front of the queue, it of course doesn't get rid of the long wait times. To mitigate that, the developers have said that new servers are constantly being created, so this wait should decrease over time.

Next: Despite Its Flaws, New World’s PvP Is Its Saviour