What's Happening?
Amazon has sold its Montreal game studio to Ubisoft following a significant restructuring of its video game division. This move comes after Amazon's decision to cut 14,000 jobs across the company, which included a major reduction in its gaming operations. The studio, known for working on the MOBA game 'March of Giants,' will now be part of Ubisoft. The acquisition includes the rights to the game and brings back several former Ubisoft employees, including Xavier Marquis, who previously worked on 'Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege.' Ubisoft aims to leverage the growing MOBA market, which is expected to double in revenue by 2030, by integrating 'March of Giants' into its portfolio.
Why It's Important?
This acquisition highlights the shifting strategies within the gaming
industry, particularly as companies like Amazon reassess their involvement in game development. For Ubisoft, acquiring a studio with a promising MOBA title aligns with its strategy to expand in a lucrative market segment. The move also underscores the competitive nature of the gaming industry, where companies are constantly seeking innovative projects to attract new audiences. For Amazon, this sale marks a retreat from its ambitious gaming plans, reflecting broader challenges in establishing a foothold in the highly competitive gaming market.
What's Next?
Ubisoft plans to support the development of 'March of Giants' and integrate the Montreal team into its operations. The company will likely focus on enhancing the game's appeal to MOBA fans and expanding its player base. Meanwhile, Amazon's gaming division will continue to undergo changes as it refocuses its efforts, potentially impacting other projects and studios within the company. The industry will be watching to see how Ubisoft capitalizes on this acquisition and whether Amazon will re-enter the gaming market in a different capacity in the future.
