While many of the attention is pinned on Google for its now established cloud streaming video game platform Stadia, it should still be considered that Amazon is currently in the phase of entering the same market as well. Back in October launched the retail conglomerate’s video game streaming platform dubbed ‘Luna’. As of now, Luna is currently still in the beta phase of ifs lifespan as of writing.
However, while Stadia Games and Entertainment closed its doors this past February, changes are being made at Amazon Game Studios. Although the current MMO RPG New World faces its latest delay with the title now scheduled to ship later this summer, Amazon is doubling down on its internal studios with a new branch in Canada.
In a new press release from Amazon this past week, it is announced that the firm will be opening a video game division in Montreal. Even more, the leadership behind this new studio will be comprised of former developers for Ubisoft Montreal’s Rainbow Six Siege.
Montreal’s rich vein of creative talent will be a valuable asset as we continue building our development and publishing teams. The highly skilled and experienced team at our new Montreal studio shares our commitment to creating best-in-class online games, and brings with them a wealth of knowledge and passion for building deep, community-focused multiplayer experiences. I look forward to watching them invent on behalf of customers as they grow their team and develop their first project.
Christoph Hartmann, Amazon Games Vice President
Namely, there are four founding employees that make up Amazon Games Montreal in the press release: Luc Bouchard as head of production, creative director Xavier Marquis, Alexandre Remy to be head of product, and Romain Rimokh to overlook as content director. The four of them are said to lead for a new unannounced multiplayer IP.
“Building upon 8 years of experience with Siege, we are excited to start with a blank page and the creative freedom to create a completely unique experience in the multiplayer space,” Marquis shares in the press release. “From our first discussion, we felt a true connection with the people at Amazon Games, their approach to gaming and the sheer amount of knowledge, expertise and technology available there.
“It is quite humbling and we couldn’t be more excited to start a studio with them.” While the direction for Amazon is promising now with the new Montreal branch, there is still some tenseness as to what could happen after looking at Stadia. Even more, it was not long until Luna head Marc Whitten announced to be stepping down from leading the platform last month.
But, there are the potential forecast for blue skies heading towards Amazon’s video game division. Following the appointing of And Jassy to be the new Amazon CEO following the stepping down of Jeff Bezos, Jassy commented on the potential that its video game division could offer if executed properly. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you interested to see how Amazon Game Studios will perform with this new Montreal team?
Source: Amazon Games