This morning, Amazon’s Games business is undergoing several changes, as outlined in a note by Beth Galetti regarding broader company shifts. The focus is on developing plans to enhance gaming experiences for customers while utilizing Amazon’s strengths. A recent example of this strategic direction is the launch of Luna, which aims to combine streaming entertainment with value for Prime members.
As part of a reassessment of the gaming industry and competitive dynamics, Amazon Game Studios has decided to cease a significant portion of its first-party AAA game development, particularly in the MMO sector. This decision includes workforce reductions in the Irvine and San Diego studios and the central publishing team.
Despite these changes, Amazon Game Studios continues to advance various projects. The Montreal studio recently completed a closed alpha for the upcoming game “March of Giants” and is working towards its completion. Additionally, the Studio 5 team launched “Courtroom Chaos: Starring Snoop Dogg” as part of Luna’s rollout and will concentrate on casual and AI-driven games optimized for the platform. Collaborations with external partners, including Crystal Dynamics for a new “Tomb Raider” installment and Maverick Games for an open-world driving game, are also ongoing.
Throughout the day, executives Christoph and Jeff will provide further details on how these changes may impact team members. Notifications have been sent to affected employees in most countries, with others to follow local processes for communications.
Acknowledging the difficult nature of these changes, management emphasizes the commitment to driving the business forward while recognizing the contributions of affected team members. Employees are encouraged to reach out to their managers or HR business partners with specific inquiries.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/808332/amazon-gaming-layoffs-mmo-aaa-first-party-games