Amazon Game Studios
Amazon Game Studios business and news from across the web.
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"We've got a great team, money in the bank, and financial independence": Glowmade comes out swinging after Amazon pulled the plug on King of Meat
Following the shutdown of its multiplayer title King of Meat by Amazon Game Studios, independent developer Glowmade is financially secure and focusing on its new single-player game, Rogue Fortune. Studio head Jonny Hopper emphasizes the studio's strong position due to financial independence and a skilled team, highlighting Rogue Fortune's innovative blend of roguelike and Tetris-inspired mechanics.
Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis preview - the new old Lara Croft
Crystal Dynamics is developing Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis, a remake of the original 1996 game, set to be published by Amazon Game Studios. The preview showcased expanded environments, new gameplay mechanics like crafting and a skill tree inspired by the reboot series, and modernized puzzles. While skepticism about another remake exists, the demo offered a promising blend of familiar elements and modern enhancements.
"Sometimes you need fresh perspectives" – How external development helped Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Crystal Dynamics is collaborating with Polish studio Flying Wild Hog on the remake of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, introducing new mechanics like crafting and a skill tree while removing tank controls. The partnership aims to bring fresh perspectives to the classic adventure, with Amazon publishing and producing a related TV series.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis isn't classic Lara Croft, but it manages to dodge the worst excesses of modern…
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis aims to balance classic gameplay with modern sensibilities, as shown in a hands-off demo of the Damocles Trial. Developers Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog are incorporating features like crafting and enhanced enemy AI while preserving the original's level design, though some modern tools like a Scanner are optional.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis isn't even out yet, but already it feels like an old relic - in all the wrong ways
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original Tomb Raider, is set to release next year but already faces criticism for its implementation of modern RPG elements like skill trees and crafting. While the game visually captures the spirit of the original and introduces some new combat and traversal mechanics, the article argues that these additions, along with features like a scanner and QTEs, feel outmoded and detract from the core Tomb Raider experience.
Game Developer Association of India picks 15 studios for first Supernova cohort
The Game Developer Association of India has selected 15 studios for its Supernova incubation program, which offers mentorship and industry connections. Separately, Focus Entertainment has partnered with Maverick Games to publish the upcoming open-world racing title Clutch, set for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Maverick Games partners with Focus Entertainment to publish debut racing title Clutch
Maverick Games has partnered with Focus Entertainment to publish its debut open-world racing title, Clutch, set for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This deal follows Maverick's earlier publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios, which was terminated earlier this year. Focus Entertainment aims to establish Clutch as a major new racing IP.
Twitch faces a class action lawsuit over using streamers' content to train Amazon's AI
Twitch and its parent company Amazon are facing a proposed class action lawsuit from streamer Warren Pandiscia, who alleges his content was used to train generative AI models without consent or payment. This follows Twitch's recent announcement of AI training features, which have been met with community backlash due to their opt-out rather than opt-in nature. Separately, an analyst suggests that Epic Games Store's efforts to compete with Steam may be too late, despite ongoing improvements to its storefront and the continued success of Fortnite.
007 First Light når fyra miljoner sålda exemplar
Io Interactive announced that its game 007 First Light has sold four million copies. The game has received positive reviews, with an average score of 87/100 on Opencritic. Despite recent layoffs and the cancellation of a Project Fantasy collaboration with Microsoft, Io Interactive may be developing a sequel, with Amazon Games Studios reportedly interested in their involvement.
Fans clash over Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis’ new Focus meter and skill tree
Amazon Game Studios has revealed new gameplay mechanics for the upcoming remake Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, including a 'Focus' meter and a skill tree system. While the Focus meter, which slows time, has been met with general approval, the skill tree and herb collecting mechanics have drawn criticism from fans who feel they deviate from the original game's design. The game is set to release on February 12, 2027, for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the first game, is getting RPG skill trees, crafting mechanics and a 'focus meter'
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original game, will introduce RPG skill trees, crafting mechanics, and a 'focus' meter for Lara Croft. Developed by Flying Wild Hog, the game aims to make Lara feel more agile and dangerous with new mechanics that allow for time manipulation and buffs from collected herbs. These changes, along with the return of dual pistols and other weapon types, represent a significant departure from the 1996 original and have drawn mixed reactions from the community.
The backlash against gen AI in video games proves voting with your wallet works
The gaming community's strong opposition to generative AI in game development is influencing publishing contracts, with some lawyers citing restrictive clauses due to legal liability concerns. Player backlash, including review-bombing and purchase boycotts, has led publishers to discourage developers from using AI assets, demonstrating that consumer action can impact industry practices.
Exciting PlayStation 5 Adventure Game Gets New Release Date Window
Embracer Group has confirmed that Tomb Raider: Catalyst is now expected to launch before March 31, 2028, with its predecessor, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, scheduled for February 12, 2027, on PlayStation 5. Amazon Game Studios cited the need for further polish and development of their cloud gaming service, Luna, as reasons for the revised release windows. The delay also accounts for a crowded 2026 release schedule, including Grand Theft Auto VI.
Amazon’s MMO run will be coming to end sooner than thought
Amazon Game Studios is ending its Western publishing operations for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. Smilegate will take over Lost Ark in early 2027, while FirstSpark Games/NCSoft will manage Throne and Liberty starting in Q4 2026. This marks a significant shift for Amazon's ambitions in the MMO publishing market, following the shutdown of New World and the cancellation of other projects.
Echoing Palworld dev, video game lawyer says all her clients have anti-AI contracts because gamers hate it and it's a copyright landmine: "I think we're going to see lawsuits"
Video game lawyer Haley MacLean reports that nearly all her clients now include anti-generative AI clauses in their contracts due to widespread gamer disapproval and significant copyright concerns. She highlights the legal risks, including potential lawsuits over ownership and infringement, advising studios to avoid the technology altogether. The trend reflects a growing industry-wide caution regarding AI's use in game development and asset creation.
Amazon Will Soon Be Out Of The MMO Business Entirely
Amazon Game Studios is exiting the massively multiplayer online (MMO) business entirely, handing over Western operations of "Throne and Liberty" and "Lost Ark" back to their original developers, NC and Smilegate, respectively. This move follows the earlier shutdown announcement for their own MMO, "New World," and the cancellation of a "Lord of the Rings" MMO. Amazon had previously published and operated these live-service titles in the West.
Amazon to rescind its publisher role on Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty by early 2027
Amazon Game Studios will cease its publishing roles for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty by early 2027, returning them to their respective developers, Smilegate and NC. This transition marks a shift for Amazon away from third-party MMO publishing as they focus on other ventures like Amazon Luna and first-party development.
Amazon are getting out of the MMO game, handing control of Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to developers, but it won't all be smooth for players
Amazon Game Studios is exiting the global publishing of MMOs, handing over control of Lost Ark to Smilegate and Throne and Liberty to FireSpark Games. While Amazon will cease live service operations for Lost Ark in early 2027, some player data like chat history and friend memos will be lost. This transition aims to align global updates with Korean releases for Lost Ark and is expected to be less disruptive for Throne and Liberty. The move comes as Amazon shifts its focus away from external publishing and internal MMO development.
Amazon hands off Throne and Liberty to NC, seemingly ending its MMO era
Amazon Game Studios is handing over the reins of its MMORPG Throne and Liberty to developer FirstSpark Games and publisher NC, marking a potential end to Amazon's involvement in the MMO genre. The transition is expected to be seamless for players, with all progress and items remaining intact. This move follows the struggles of other Amazon-published MMOs like New World and Blue Protocol.
Amazon gives up on MMOs, hands Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to the original devs instead of shutting them down like…
Amazon Game Studios is stepping away from live operations for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty, handing control back to their original developers, Smilegate and FirstSpark Games/NC, respectively. This transition is set to occur in early 2027 for Lost Ark and Q4 2026 for Throne and Liberty, aiming for a smooth handover with minimal disruption to players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
