Amazon Shifts Focus from MMOs to Social Party Games

In a strategic move amid widespread layoffs, Amazon is altering its approach in the gaming industry by putting a stop to much of its high-budget MMO projects. This development comes from a company-wide communication by Steve Boom, Vice President overseeing audio, Twitch, and games.

Despite achieving notable achievements in creating and distributing AAA first-party games, Boom acknowledged the tough resolution to significantly cut back on MMO production at Amazon Game Studios. Consequently, substantial job cuts are anticipated at their Irvine and San Diego facilities, along with reductions at their central publishing unit.

Current and Future Projects

Amazon's existing roster of MMOs includes titles such as New World: Aeternum, Throne and Liberty, and Lost Ark, the latter seeing great popularity in early 2022. Furthermore, a 2023 announcement revealed plans to co-develop a Lord of the Rings MMO alongside Embracer Group. However, prior plans for a western rollout of the Bandai Namco MMO Blue Protocol were abandoned after its closure in Japan.

However, the cessation doesn't signal Amazon's complete retreat from the gaming sector. Boom highlighted the refreshed Luna service, coupled with the Studio 5 team’s initiatives focused on creating simpler, AI-centric games tailored for Luna. Luna is believed to exemplify Amazon's dual focus on streaming entertainment and delivering value to Prime subscribers.

Ongoing Collaborations

Additionally, there was mention of the successful closed alpha test for the game March of the Giants. Amazon remains engaged with Crystal Dynamics on a new Tomb Raider game and with Maverick Games on an open-world driving simulation.

In an internal memo, Boom elaborated on the day's changes, citing an evaluation of future plans that included a pivot towards retaining Amazon's core strengths in gaming. Last week's launch of the revamped Luna exemplified this shift with its mix of party and blockbuster games, promising further developments ahead.

In concluding, Boom recognized the day’s challenges, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of outgoing team members while affirming the necessity of these decisions for shaping Amazon's gaming future. Anyone with specific questions can seek clarification from managers or HR representatives.