In a notable shift within the gaming industry, Ubisoft has announced the acquisition of Amazon Games Montreal, a studio currently developing the MOBA title “March of Giants.” This move comes in the wake of Amazon’s significant layoffs, which included a reduction of 14,000 jobs across the company and a strategic overhaul of its video game division in October. The acquisition not only brings the March of Giants project under Ubisoft’s umbrella, but also integrates the Montreal team, including the studio’s creative director, Xavier Marquis, who previously worked at Ubisoft on the renowned “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege.” Marquis joined Amazon in 2021 after a two-year stint at Ubisoft.
Ubisoft’s interest in acquiring March of Giants is rooted in the projected growth of the global MOBA market, which is expected to double its revenue by 2030. The company has characterized the project as “an innovative and differentiated” offering that aims to attract both existing MOBA fans and new audiences. “March of Giants has a real opportunity to bring something fresh and dynamic to players, and to help Ubisoft compete in one of gaming’s biggest arenas,” said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. He expressed enthusiasm about welcoming back members of the team who have a history with Ubisoft, seeing their alignment of ambition and creativity as vital for developing new player experiences.
The specifics of the acquisition deal, including financial terms, have not been disclosed. However, Ubisoft confirmed that Amazon has committed to providing marketing support for March of Giants on Twitch, a significant platform for gaming audiences. This collaboration suggests that both companies are looking to leverage each other’s strengths to maximize the game’s potential in a competitive market.
The acquisition follows Amazon’s drastic shift in strategy for its gaming division, which culminated in a public announcement in October. Reports indicated that the company decided to halt a considerable amount of its first-party AAA game development work, particularly focusing on MMORPGs, leading to substantial role reductions across its studios, including those in Irvine and San Diego. The fallout from this decision included the cessation of ongoing work on its MMO title “New World,” as well as the cancellation of the anticipated “Lord of the Rings” MMO.
Ubisoft’s acquisition of Amazon Games Montreal could be seen as a strategic move to bolster its position in the ever-expanding gaming landscape, particularly in the live service and competitive gaming arenas. The MOBA genre has experienced significant growth, attracting millions of players globally, and Ubisoft’s entry into this space could enhance its portfolio of live competitive games.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the implications of Amazon’s restructuring and Ubisoft’s acquisition could resonate broadly, influencing future business strategies and game development approaches. The collaboration between Ubisoft and the former Amazon team may pave the way for innovative gaming experiences that could resonate well within the competitive gaming community.
