Amazon Games has made a name for itself in recent years with MMOs like Lost Ark, Throne & Liberty, and Blue Protocol. These massively multiplayer games, primarily from Asian publishers, have been centered around grinding and have garnered a dedicated fan base. However, Amazon Games is now signaling a shift away from the MMO genre with the announcement of King of Meat, a new hack-and-slash co-op game that marks the company’s „first step out of the MMO genre“ according to Amazon Games boss Christoph Hartmann in an exclusive interview with IGN.
Hartmann emphasized that while Amazon Games will continue to work on established franchises like Tomb Raider, they are also looking to take bets on new ideas and developers. This move represents a shift towards diversifying their publishing portfolio and exploring new opportunities in the gaming industry. With 10 games currently in development and negotiations underway for more, Amazon Games is gearing up for an exciting future beyond the MMO genre.
One of the highly anticipated projects in the works is the Lord of the Rings MMO. Hartmann mentioned that it is still early days for the game as they are focused on finding a fresh twist and unique selling point that sets it apart from other games in the market. Similarly, the status of Tomb Raider at Crystal Dynamics amidst the turmoil at Embracer Group was addressed, with Hartmann assuring that the studio is sheltered from external factors and making progress on the game.
In discussing the state of the games industry, Hartmann highlighted the need for innovation and the importance of overcoming the fear of trying out new ideas. He also touched on the role of AI in streamlining processes and potentially shortening game development cycles, allowing for more iteration and risk-taking. While AI may help in certain aspects of game development, Hartmann emphasized that human creativity and uniqueness will always be essential in creating fresh and engaging gaming experiences.
Regarding the MMO genre, Hartmann acknowledged the challenges of maintaining MMOs in the long run, citing high development costs, server expenses, and player expectations for free content updates. While MMOs have a dedicated audience, sustaining them can be difficult for smaller developers due to the financial backing required to survive the ups and downs of the market.
Looking ahead, Amazon Games is keeping an eye on the next generation Switch and planning to develop games for it. Despite the challenges and uncertainties in the industry, Hartmann expressed optimism about the future of Amazon Games in 2024, with a strong lineup of titles in development and a mix of established franchises and new ventures on the horizon. The company is energized and focused on delivering exciting gaming experiences to players worldwide.