Amazon has just confirmed over a hundred layoffs in its gaming division, a move that appears to be echoing a larger trend across the industry lately. The corporation, primarily known for its e-commerce platform and the Amazon Prime streaming service, has been trying to break into the video game industry for over a decade. Beginning with the development of mobile games, Amazon has expanded into other areas, launching the streaming platform Prime Luna last year and moving on to developing and producing console and PC titles.
Since jumping into the industry, Amazon has certainly seen some success and won support from some gamers. Amazon Prime just revealed its free games for November, which include some great classics and newer hits. It also appears to have some exciting new projects in the works, though the company has been fairly secretive about them so far. Despite those positive signs, however, the company doesn't appear to be immune from recent trends in the industry.
According to initial reporting by Aftermath, since confirmed by Amazon to other publications, 180 employees in the company's gaming division have lost their jobs. Amazon's Twitch channel, Crown Gaming, has apparently been eliminated entirely with company leadership making the decision to shift focus. With New World, Lost Ark, and upcoming projects, Amazon now seems more committed to its publishing and game development business and will be placing its focus their moving forward.
Back in September, Blizzard laid off a longtime industry veteran and other employees, and similar stories have been emerging across the world of gaming going back to last year. These events have been tragic for those who have lost their jobs and are also a cause for concern among gamers and observers of the business. It seems these job losses are already impacting game development.
There are currently rumors that layoffs at Naughty Dog could put The Last of Us multiplayer on hold. Titles like The Wolf Among Us 2 are also in flux at the moment for the same reasons. It would seem that the troubles the industry is facing have claimed more jobs at a major employer with no sign that the issue will correct itself in the near future. For now, gamers will want to keep an eye on developers and spare a thought for those who are now looking for new opportunities.
