Amazon Games
Amazon Games business and news from across the web.
Rockstar workers hit back, PlayStation ditches physical discs, and chipmakers accused of price fixing - Patch Notes #59Several significant developments have occurred in the gaming industry, including Rockstar Games facing accusations of pay inequity and crunch, Sony's PlayStation preparing to discontinue physical software production in January 2028, and major chipmakers being sued for alleged price-fixing. Additionally, Ubisoft has hired Christoph Hartmann to oversee its Tom Clancy franchises, while Krafton has agreed to pay bonuses to the Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds following a legal dispute and CEO resignation. Microsoft is also reportedly testing a disc-to-digital feature for its Xbox consoles.
Even Hideo Kojima is afraid that 'digital data will no longer be owned by individuals' and that access to art…Hideo Kojima has expressed concerns about the future of digital ownership, fearing that players will eventually lose control over their digital data and access to art. This sentiment is amplified by Sony's reported move towards a fully digital PlayStation ecosystem by 2028, raising anxieties about game preservation and the potential loss of access to purchased content due to external factors like server shutdowns or company closures.
Ubisoft taps former 2K president Christoph Hartmann to oversee shooter franchisesUbisoft has appointed former 2K president Christoph Hartmann to lead its new 'Creative House 2' division, which focuses on shooter franchises like The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. This move comes as Ubisoft restructures its studio ecosystem, which has also involved significant cost-cutting measures and layoffs.- Comings and GoingsUbisoft has hired Christoph Hartmann, formerly of Amazon Games, to lead its new creative house. Separately, a former director from Unreal Engine has retired from Epic Games after 15 years.
Ubisoft appoints former 2K and Amazon exec Christoph Hartmann to lead Creative House 2, overseeing Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost ReconUbisoft has appointed industry veteran Christoph Hartmann as General Manager of its newly formed Creative House 2. This business unit will oversee major franchises including Splinter Cell, The Division, and Ghost Recon, as well as the recently acquired MOBA game March of Giants. Hartmann previously founded 2K Games and led Amazon's games division.- Lost Ark announces an early end to several events to make way for the August server mergeAmazon Games announced that several in-game events for Lost Ark will conclude early on August 19th to accommodate the upcoming server merge scheduled for August. While progression events like the Kazeros Challenge Express are being shortened, new events are promised for September. The update also details upcoming quality-of-life improvements for July, including auto-equip functions and skill suggestions.
- Throne and Liberty outlines progression system tweaks and prepares an event for its next archbossAmazon Games is implementing several tweaks to the MMORPG Throne and Liberty following the Frozen Divide: Nix expansion. Updates on July 16th will address limited material supplies and offer more ways to acquire seal keys, while a July 9th patch will reduce the difficulty of elite tier dungeons. Additionally, a special event starting July 1st will offer login rewards for 49 days in preparation for the arrival of the archboss Ramux on July 30th.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Hands-on Preview - 30 years in the makingA hands-on preview of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis reveals a remake that blends classic platforming, exploration, and puzzle-solving with modern combat. The game, set to launch on February 12, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, features fast-paced combat and a thrilling T-Rex chase sequence. Voice actress Alix Wilton Regan captures Lara Croft's wit, and the visuals are a significant upgrade from the original.
Playstack sold, Xbox announces business 'reset,' and is generative AI poisoning the well? - Patch Notes #56Playstack has been sold to Integrated Media Company, with TruFin divesting its majority stake. Xbox announced a business 'reset' involving potential layoffs and studio closures, as confirmed by leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. Concerns are also rising about generative AI's impact on the industry, with Take-Two's former head of AI, Luke Dicken, expressing worries about the current hype cycle.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis feels strangely double-ATomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original game developed by Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog, presents a double-A experience that leans more towards a lighter-weight Uncharted than a modern blockbuster. The preview highlights familiar environmental puzzles, light combat with a new focus mechanic, and a curious mix of classic and modern movement and design choices. While not a prestige remake, it offers a breezy and enjoyable experience with moments of old-school charm.
'We're Going to Be Smart About This': Amazon Games Boss Addresses 007 First Light ConcernsAmazon Games head Jeff Gattis clarified comments regarding the James Bond game 007 First Light, assuring fans that IO Interactive will continue to develop the series. Despite initial confusion, Gattis emphasized a strong partnership and stated that future sequels will be made if there is market appetite. The game has been successful, and IO Interactive plans to support it with new content.
Amazon Games boss says a 007 First Light sequel "should be made"Amazon Games' Head of Gaming, Jeff Gattis, indicated that a sequel to the successful stealth game 007 First Light "should be made," citing strong sales and player desire. While not a definitive confirmation, Gattis suggested that a sequel is likely as long as there is market appetite. The game, developed by IO Interactive, has sold over three million copies since its release on May 27.
Amazon Has Identified A Lord Of The Rings Game Idea That Is “Quite Compelling”Amazon Games is still exploring ideas for a new The Lord of the Rings game, with a "quite compelling" concept recently evaluated by Amazon Games boss Jeff Gattis. While previous MMO projects with Leyou and Embracer did not materialize, the company remains committed to finding a suitable game experience for Tolkien's world. Amazon is also involved in other gaming projects and the "The Rings of Power" TV series.- Will 007 First Light Get a Sequel? The Boss of Amazon Games RespondsThe head of Amazon Games stated that a sequel to 007 First Light is possible if there is sufficient player demand. This indicates the company is considering future installments based on community interest.
- Amazon exec says it’s ‘evaluating different concepts’ and prototypes for the Lord of the Rings gameAmazon Games is evaluating various concepts and prototypes for a new game based on The Lord of the Rings license. Jeff Gattis, Amazon Games GM, stated that the company is exploring different ideas to create a new experience that honors Tolkien's world, though no concrete plans have been announced.
007 First Light – Amazon Says “It’s Still Too Early to Discuss Future Projects”Amazon Games stated that it is too early to discuss a sequel to 007 First Light, despite owning the intellectual property rights. The company praised its partnership with developer IO Interactive and indicated that more plans for the game will be revealed soon. Amazon also expressed interest in expanding IPs across games, TV shows, and movies, citing Tomb Raider as an example.
New James Bond games will be published by Amazon GamesAmazon Games will publish future James Bond titles, following the success of IO Interactive's self-published "007 First Light." Amazon Games general manager Jeff Gattis confirmed the shift, noting Amazon's ownership of the IP through its MGM acquisition. The company also sees opportunities to integrate future games with other media like films and Prime Video content.
007: First Light Sequel Could Include A Major Behind-The-Scenes ChangeA potential sequel to the James Bond game 007: First Light, developed by IO Interactive, could see a significant behind-the-scenes change with Amazon Games taking a larger role. While IO Interactive self-funded the first game, Amazon's ownership of MGM means they will likely be involved in future installments. This shift comes as Amazon aims for greater synergy between its film and game divisions, as seen with the upcoming Tomb Raider TV show and game.
All Major State of Play June 2026 AnnouncementsSony's June 2026 State of Play showcase featured numerous game announcements and trailers. Highlights include God of War Laufey, Marvel's Wolverine gameplay, Until Dawn 2, and release dates for games like Rayman Legends Retold and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. Several titles, including ILL and KEMURI, received new trailers and release windows for 2027.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2Amazon Games has confirmed that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will be released on February 12, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Steam, and the Nintendo Switch 2. The game's release was delayed to avoid competition with a new Grand Theft Auto title.