Amazon
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Amazon.
Latest coverage
Vague Patch Notes: How Amazon blew up money unnecessarily and left online games unceremoniously
This analysis critiques Amazon's approach to online game publishing, citing the premature cancellation of Crucible and the relinquishing of publishing rights for Blue Protocol and Throne and Liberty back to developers Bandai Namco and NCsoft, respectively. The author argues that Amazon's strategy involved excessive spending and a focus on potential hits rather than fostering the development of its games, contrasting it with the successful turnaround of Final Fantasy XIV.
Throne & Liberty buffs party play and player housing in today’s 4.7.0 update
Amazon has released the 4.7.0 update for Throne & Liberty, which focuses on enhancing party play features with new tools like ready checks and map icon sharing, alongside improved co-op rewards and boss drops. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements from NCsoft, such as better inventory management and expanded player housing options, including the ability to own more homes and visit others. Additionally, the patch introduces weapon balance adjustments for all classes.
Twitch finally allows users to opt out of Amazon AI training after years of silently farming streams
Twitch has introduced an opt-out feature allowing users to prevent their stream content, including VODs, clips, and chat, from being used to train Amazon's generative AI models. This change comes after widespread user criticism and follows admissions from Amazon's chief product officer, Mike Minton, that user data had been silently used for AI training for years. While users can now opt out, the default setting previously allowed data harvesting, and individual chat opt-outs are only effective if the streamer also opts out.
Twitch Is Now Using Channels To Train Generative AI, And The Company Knows It’s Unpopular
Twitch, owned by Amazon, is now using its channels to train generative AI models by default, requiring users to opt-out. Chief product officer Mike Minton acknowledged the unpopularity of this decision, stating it's opt-out because an opt-in system would see no participation. While users can opt-out of channel content training, other AI features like AutoMod remain mandatory.
Twitch will sacrifice you to its AI overlord whether you like it or not
Twitch is facing criticism for using user data to train Amazon's generative AI models by default, requiring users to manually opt-out. Chief product officer Mike Minton stated that an opt-in system would result in very few users participating. Even with an opt-out, content may still be used if users appear on other streams, raising concerns about data privacy and the use of copyrighted material.
Twitch are scraping streams for AI training by default, and even their own execs don’t know what user data may have been swept up
Twitch has admitted to using streamed content for Amazon's AI training by default, requiring users to manually opt-out. This policy has caused outrage among streamers, with executives like Mike Minton conceding uncertainty about what user data may have been included in the scraping. The move also raises concerns about copyright infringement and potential conflicts with game publishers and voice actors.
Twitch is training AI on livestreams, says it's an opt out feature as "nobody would opt in"
Twitch is implementing a new policy to train generative AI models on its livestreams, which will be an opt-out feature by default. This decision has faced significant backlash from the streaming community, who are demanding an opt-in option. Twitch executives Mike Minton and Mary Kish defended the decision, stating that an opt-in system would result in very few users participating.
Twitch under fire for new gen AI training system that harvests streamer data for Amazon, says it's on by default because 'if it was opt-in, nobody would opt in'
Twitch has drawn criticism for its new generative AI training system, which uses streamer content by default for Amazon's AI models. The company's chief product officer, Mike Minton, admitted that the opt-in system was set to default because "if it was opt-in, nobody would opt in." Streamers and industry figures like Mike Futter have raised concerns about data privacy and the potential implications for game developers whose content might be used without explicit consent.
Amazon is severing ties with two other MMOs
Amazon is transferring publishing rights for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other companies. This move indicates a shift in Amazon's strategy for its involvement in the massively multiplayer online game market.
Twitch streamers can now refuse to let Amazon train its genAI models on their content
Twitch has introduced an opt-out toggle allowing streamers to prevent their content from being used to train Amazon's generative AI models. This feature provides streamers with control over how their data is utilized for AI development.
Amazon to give live service operations of Lost Ark to Smilegate
Amazon is transferring the live service operations for the MMORPGs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty in Western territories to Smilegate, the games' developer and original publisher. This change will take effect in early 2027 for Lost Ark and Q4 2026 for Throne and Liberty, with no expected impact on player experience. Smilegate will assume full responsibility for managing these titles in North America and other Western regions.
God Of War’s Christopher Judge Is Tired Of Video Game TV Adaptations Ignoring Game Creators
Christopher Judge, the voice of Kratos in God of War, expresses frustration with video game TV adaptations for often excluding creators from the original games. He highlights The Last of Us and Amazon's upcoming God of War series as examples where original talent was not utilized, questioning the decision-making process behind these projects.
Amazon drops Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty
Amazon is ending its publishing deals for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty in Western markets. NCSoft will take over publishing for Throne and Liberty near the end of 2026, while Smilegate will do the same for Lost Ark in early 2027. This move signifies the end of Amazon's significant ambitions in the MMO publishing space, following earlier shifts away from big-budget game development.
God of War star Christopher Judge criticizes The Last of Us and similar adaptations for excluding people who made the…
God of War actor Christopher Judge criticizes video game adaptations for failing to hire the original game developers and writers. He cites The Last of Us and the upcoming God of War TV series as examples of this trend, questioning why creators don't leverage the talent that built the source material.
Amazon Ending Lost Ark Support but Smilegate Will Keep It Alive
Amazon is ceasing support for the MMORPG Lost Ark, which it had imported. However, the game's developer, Smilegate, will continue to maintain the game, ensuring its survival.
New trailer for Amazon thriller movie based on a twisted Colleen Hoover novel has arrived, and it's now one of my…
A new trailer has been released for the Amazon thriller film Verity, based on Colleen Hoover's novel. The movie follows Lowen Ashleigh, a writer hired to complete the works of paralyzed author Verity Crawford, who uncovers disturbing autobiographical writings. Directed by Michael Showalter and adapted by Nick Antosca, the film stars Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett, and is set to release in theaters on October 2.
Reacher season 4 release schedule: What time is episode 1 on Prime Video?
Reacher season 4 is set to premiere on Prime Video on August 12, with the first three episodes releasing simultaneously. New episodes will then be released weekly until September 16, concluding the 8-episode season. The upcoming season adapts Lee Child's 13th Reacher novel, 'Gone Tomorrow'.
NYC Mayor Mamdani announces support for the Delivery Protection Act
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced support for the Delivery Protection Act, a measure aimed at regulating the use of contractors for last-mile delivery services. Amazon is reportedly opposing the legislation, which seeks to establish protections for delivery workers.
Amazon Discounts MTG Commander Decks From Marvel and Strixhaven
Amazon is offering discounts on Magic: The Gathering Commander decks, including those themed around Marvel and Strixhaven. These pre-constructed decks provide an accessible entry point for players looking to jump into the popular trading card game.
Ex-God of War star reveals new look at his Kratos, and it's way better than what Amazon showed us
Actor Ryan Hurst, who was previously cast as Kratos in Amazon's God of War TV series, has shared new images of his portrayal after an injury led to his departure from the production. Hurst's depiction is considered an improvement over the show's initial official look. The article also mentions upcoming God of War games, including 'God of War: Laufey' and a new Kratos-led title.
