Amazon’s recent layoff of 14,000 roles will see most game projects under the Amazon Games Studio division either cancelled (such as the new Lord of the Rings game) or end ongoing development (The New World). Is artificial intelligence (AI) to blame?
That is what many are assuming, but in truth, Amazon says the move is to “strengthen” its “culture and teams by reducing layers”.
This may be code for the company’s bloated structure – hiring too many middle managers instead of maintaining an efficient headcount.
What does this have to do with the video game industry? As much as companies love hiring more creators and writers for clout, to appear large, and to secure bigger projects, the top brass must remember that throwing more people at a problem does not solve it. It is usually better to hire the right people, earn and respect their loyalty and work, and help them aspire to grow while remaining pragmatic.
With all the money Amazon has received over the years, the company may have lost sight of why it needs to prioritise quality over quantity when hiring. The same applies to its game division, which has seen more failures than successes. Anyone remember hero shooter Crucible? That game died quickly after launch because it lacked strong leadership and vision – it merely filled a quota.
Short beats
Korean company Shift Up says it “doesn’t tolerate any expressions of hate” in NIKKE: Goddess of Victory following backlash over an alleged “small genital” gesture in its anniversary artwork.
Amazon’s major Lord of the Rings mass multiplayer online role-playing game has reportedly been cancelled as part of Amazon Games’ cuts and redundancies. Its other major title, New World, is also ending development.
Nintendo has been denied a patent in Japan for a Pokémon-like capturing mechanic similar to Palworld’s system.
Square Enix is asking players not to make cutscene montages or endgame videos of its new Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, warning that such content may be taken down.
Remedy Entertainment said it will return to profitability by focusing on single-player games again, following the failure of its multiplayer title FBC: Firebreak.
Apple is now part of The Game Awards advisory board.
Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds sold only 160,000 copies post-launch – surprisingly low for one of the company’s flagship franchises.
Op-Ed
We reviewed a slew of titles, from the epic computer role-playing game The Outer Worlds 2 to the first four episodes of adventure title DISPATCH.
We also discussed the state of games journalism around the world (and how the times are a-changing, much like a certain Bob Dylan song) and Microsoft’s Halo finally coming to PlayStation 5.
Games out this week
The Outer Worlds 2
The latest computer role-playing game from Obsidian Entertainment. You play as a member of the Earth Directorate trying to unravel a conspiracy spanning corporate-run planets and data-driven governments. Whether you prefer stealth, guns blazing, or sharp negotiation – all playstyles are welcome. Out for PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5.
1998: The Toll Keeper Story
A narrative simulation game from Indonesian developer GameChanger Studio. You play as an expectant mother working as a government toll keeper during a turbulent period in Southeast Asian history. Navigate daily challenges and make tough moral decisions to survive. Out for PC and mobile.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
A high-resolution 2D reimagining of the classic Dragon Quest role-playing games (parts 1 and 2) from the late 1980s. Embark on an epic quest that completes the Erdrick Trilogy, face formidable foes in turn-based battles, and enjoy a remixed soundtrack and voice acting.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection
A compilation of all Mortal Kombat fighting games from 1992 to 2003, including the first three arcade titles, console releases, and spin-offs such as Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero.
Tales of Xillia Remastered
The remastered version of the PlayStation 3 classic Japanese role-playing game, featuring an improved real-time battle system, two protagonists offering distinct story perspectives, and enhanced visuals. Out for PC and consoles.
Death By Scrolling
A roguelike vertically scrolling RPG where you slay enemies, collect gold, and avoid the Reaper long enough to pay the Ferryman’s exorbitant fee to cross into the afterlife. For PC.
Duet Night Abyss
An action role-playing free-to-play game set in a world where magic and machinery coexist. Control multiple characters, experience the story from different perspectives, and explore an expansive open world with lush visuals and fluid traversal.
