Amazon Games vice president Christoph Hartmann is leading the charge in shaping the future of the gaming division within the tech giant. With a background in the gaming industry, including co-founding and serving as president of 2K Games, Hartmann brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role at Amazon Games.
Under Hartmann’s leadership, Amazon Games has seen both successes and challenges. The division’s first major release, Crucible, faced setbacks and was eventually pulled back into closed beta for reworking. However, Amazon Games quickly rebounded with two major hits in the MMORPG genre: New World, developed in-house, and Lost Ark, from developer Smilegate. These successes have paved the way for Amazon Games to double down on what has worked while also exploring new directions.
One of the key strategies for Amazon Games is diversifying its portfolio by exploring different genres and partnering with external studios. This approach is evident in the upcoming release of King of Meat, a co-op dungeon crawler from indie studio Glowmade. This project marks new territory for Amazon Games and showcases the division’s willingness to take risks and try new things.
In a recent interview, Hartmann shared insights into Amazon Games‘ strategy and ambitions. He emphasized the importance of finding the right creative teams and being open to exploring new genres. Hartmann highlighted the division’s mission to become one of the top publishers in the West by revenue and game quality, aligning with Amazon’s broader entertainment goals.
Looking ahead, Amazon Games is focused on maintaining a methodical approach to its game development pipeline. Hartmann emphasized the importance of partnering with external studios to accelerate the release of new titles and diversify the division’s offerings. By working with experienced teams in different genres, Amazon Games aims to expand its reach and appeal to a wider audience.
Despite the challenges and lessons learned from past projects like Crucible, Hartmann remains optimistic about the future of Amazon Games. He acknowledges that success in the gaming industry takes time and patience, but with a strategic approach and a commitment to quality, Amazon Games is poised for long-term success.
As Amazon Games continues to evolve and grow, Christoph Hartmann’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the division’s future. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to take risks, Amazon Games is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the gaming industry under Hartmann’s guidance.