Amazon to Abandon MMOs, Focus on Casual Party Games as Part of Reorganization Efforts
In a significant shift, Amazon has decided to scale back its involvement in massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, instead prioritizing casual party games. The move comes as part of the company's broader reorganization efforts, which have already led to layoffs and changes across various divisions.
According to a memo from Steve Boom, vice president of audio, Twitch, and games, Amazon will be halting most of its work on first-party AAA MMOs within Amazon Game Studios. This decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the company's mission and focus, with an emphasis on delivering the best gaming experiences to customers while leveraging Amazon's unique strengths.
The memo also revealed that significant role reductions are planned for the studios in Irvine and San Diego, as well as the central publishing team. While this move may seem drastic, Boom emphasized that it is necessary for the company to drive its business forward and continue making a meaningful impact on the gaming industry.
On the other hand, Amazon has expressed its commitment to supporting its existing MMOs, including New World: Aeternum, Throne and Liberty, and Lost Ark. The company will continue to provide regular updates and community engagement for these titles, although it's unclear what specific changes or content updates can be expected in the near future.
In related news, Amazon has also announced plans to focus on more casual and AI-focused games through its Studio 5 team, which recently released a courtroom game starring Snoop Dogg as part of its cloud gaming service, Luna. The company is also working with external studios like Crystal Dynamics on an upcoming Tomb Raider title and Maverick Games on an open-world driving game.
While this reorganization effort may mark the end of Amazon's foray into AAA MMOs, it's clear that the company remains committed to the gaming industry and will continue to innovate and push boundaries in other areas. As one analyst noted, "It's still Day 1" for Luna, and with its focus on social party games and streaming entertainment, there's plenty of potential for growth and success in this space.
In a significant shift, Amazon has decided to scale back its involvement in massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, instead prioritizing casual party games. The move comes as part of the company's broader reorganization efforts, which have already led to layoffs and changes across various divisions.
According to a memo from Steve Boom, vice president of audio, Twitch, and games, Amazon will be halting most of its work on first-party AAA MMOs within Amazon Game Studios. This decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the company's mission and focus, with an emphasis on delivering the best gaming experiences to customers while leveraging Amazon's unique strengths.
The memo also revealed that significant role reductions are planned for the studios in Irvine and San Diego, as well as the central publishing team. While this move may seem drastic, Boom emphasized that it is necessary for the company to drive its business forward and continue making a meaningful impact on the gaming industry.
On the other hand, Amazon has expressed its commitment to supporting its existing MMOs, including New World: Aeternum, Throne and Liberty, and Lost Ark. The company will continue to provide regular updates and community engagement for these titles, although it's unclear what specific changes or content updates can be expected in the near future.
In related news, Amazon has also announced plans to focus on more casual and AI-focused games through its Studio 5 team, which recently released a courtroom game starring Snoop Dogg as part of its cloud gaming service, Luna. The company is also working with external studios like Crystal Dynamics on an upcoming Tomb Raider title and Maverick Games on an open-world driving game.
While this reorganization effort may mark the end of Amazon's foray into AAA MMOs, it's clear that the company remains committed to the gaming industry and will continue to innovate and push boundaries in other areas. As one analyst noted, "It's still Day 1" for Luna, and with its focus on social party games and streaming entertainment, there's plenty of potential for growth and success in this space.
and focusing on more chill party games? I mean, I get it, they wanna make some cash and keep their gamers happy 
. But what's the real reason behind this move? Is it because they realized that AAA MMOs are just too bloody expensive to produce? 
Or is it 'cause they want to distance themselves from those pesky subscription models? 
.
I'm keeping an eye on this one. One thing's for sure, though - Amazon's reorganization efforts are giving gamers a lot to think about 
. It'll be interesting to see how they play out...
. Still, I hope they don't abandon the MMOs entirely - some people love 'em 
. Maybe this move just means we'll see more surprises from Amazon Game Studios in the future 
. Either way, it'll be interesting to see how this reorganization effort plays out 
.
. By focusing on casual party games and social experiences, they're playing to their strengths and catering to the masses 
. It's not about abandoning ship entirely, but more about refocusing their energy on what really matters – making gaming accessible and fun for everyone! 
Still, with Luna and all the other services they've got going on, I'm curious to see what kind of party games and social experiences they'll come up with next... might be some fun stuff! 
i mean amazon was all in on these super competitive MMOs but now they're kinda... out? i get it tho, gaming is a wild market and not every game can be a hit, but it's still weird cuz you feel like amazon had some awesome ideas for their studios. i'm really curious about what this means for new world: aeternum tho - will we see more updates or just kinda... fade away? 
just another big corp saying what they gonna do now, gonna focus on making money from casual party games instead of risking it all on MMOs 
and make some cash off streamers and stuff 
its weird tho cuz i mean, amazon is all about disruptin stuff but this feels like a pretty safe move 
! I mean, I get it, Amazon's got bigger fish to fry now, but still... their MMOs were actually pretty solid. New World: Aeternum was my fave and Throne and Liberty had some sick gameplay mechanics. Losing those studios is gonna hurt the gaming community, no doubt about it 
! Studio 5's courtroom game with Snoop Dogg was a blast, and if they can keep that kinda energy going, I'm all in 
! Luna's got potential, for sure... still gonna keep an eye on it 
wanna see what kinda games studio 5 comes up with next 
maybe some fun collabs? 
it was all so overhyped and glitchy ugh anyway i hope the casual party games are where its at tho idk how good luna is but its cool that snoop dogg is in a game lol might pick up the tomb raider one too, been wanting to play more of those 
and lets be real who needs AAA MMOs when you can have games that are actually fun to play with friends 
. It's all about adapting to change and finding new ways to innovate, right? 
the thought of new world aeternum just kinda dying on its own is heartbreaking