What you need to know
- Amazon has been developing games for many years now.
- The company even unveiled a Lumberyard game engine which wasn't widely adopted.
- On Thursday the company laid off "dozens of game developers" says Kotaku.
- Amazon says that the layoffs were part of a "reorganizing" effort.
E3 2019 was a blast and many developers showed off intriguing projects like 12 Minutes. However, it looks like some of them who worked for Amazon weren't so lucky. According to a report by Kotaku, the retailer giant laid off "dozens of game developers" on Thursday.
The affected game developers reached out to Kotaku. You can read an excerpt from the outlet's report below.
Amazon Game Studios, which is currently developing the online games Crucible and New World, told affected employees on Thursday morning that they would have sixty days to look for new positions within Amazon, according to one person who was laid off. At the end of that buffer period, if they fail to find employment, they will receive severance packages. Amazon also canceled some unannounced games.
Kotaku reached out to Amazon for comment and the company responded by saying that it was just "reorganizing" some of its teams. You can read the company's response below.
Amazon Game Studios is reorganizing some of our teams to allow us to prioritize development of New World, Crucible, and new unannounced projects we're excited to reveal in the future. These moves are the result of regular business planning cycles where we align resources to match evolving, long-range priorities. We're working closely with all employees affected by these changes to assist them in finding new roles within Amazon. Amazon is deeply committed to games and continues to invest heavily in Amazon Game Studios, Twitch, Twitch Prime, Amazon Web Services, our retail businesses, and other areas within Amazon.
Hopefully, those affected will be able to find jobs inside Amazon. If not, we wish them the best of luck in future endeavors. Xbox Game Studios is hiring so maybe some of them will end up there.
Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?
Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The Pixel 6 looks to finally debut Google Camera's most anticipated feature
The Pixel 6 isn't just getting a major hardware upgrade, it's also getting a ton of new camera features to go along with that. This latest leak comes from the actual Google Camera software that's shipping with the Pixel 6.
Review: Death Stranding Director's Cut is THE expansion for new players
Death Stranding Director's Cut is a great upgrade on the PS5, but its content is filled with both great additions for new players and enjoyable distractions for returning ones.
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is the best foldable you're not going to buy
Marketing is a powerful tool. More powerful than a spec sheet. The Duo 2 looks like a fine but not at all sexy product because that's how Microsoft showed it to us.
These are the best Stadia games available to play right now in 2021
With the flexibility of Stadia, you can play all of your favorite games on your TV, phone, computer, laptop, or tablet easily. A Stadia Pro subscription includes some free games, but you can buy even more, ranging from AAA titles to indies and platform exclusives. Here are our picks for the best out there that you won't want to put down.