Amazon’s gaming ambitions are narrowing. After years of expanding into game publishing and cloud platforms, the tech giant has made a significant shift, ending its partnership with Maverick Games. The departure leaves Amazon’s gaming portfolio with just two major projects: the Tomb Raider franchise and its cloud-based service, Luna.
The decision comes as part of a broader restructuring of Amazon’s gaming investments. Earlier this year, the company shuttered its MMO divisions, which were developing titles like a new The Lord of the Rings game and New World. The closure of King of Meat, led by division chief Christoph Hartmann, further signaled Amazon’s retreat from certain gaming sectors.
Maverick Games, founded in early 2023 by veterans of the Forza Horizon series, had been developing an open-world driving game for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. While Amazon’s exit was framed as a strategic realignment, Maverick Games assured fans that development on the project would continue, with the studio now seeking a new publishing partner.
- Amazon’s gaming investments now focus exclusively on Tomb Raider (Crystal Dynamics) and Luna.
- Maverick Games’ open-world driving game remains in development, targeting PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
- The studio is actively pursuing alternative publishing agreements.
- Amazon cited strategic alignment as the reason for the decision, praising Maverick’s team and project.
The move underscores Amazon’s pivot toward high-profile, long-term partnerships rather than a broad portfolio of in-house and third-party projects. With Luna’s recent relaunch and the ongoing success of the Tomb Raider franchise, the company appears to be doubling down on cloud gaming and established IP rather than speculative ventures.
For Maverick Games, the transition presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The studio’s driving game, still in development, had been one of the most anticipated titles in the open-world genre. Without Amazon’s backing, securing a new publisher will be critical to its success—but the team remains committed to delivering the experience they’ve been building since 2023.
Amazon’s gaming division, once ambitious in its expansion, now operates with a leaner, more focused approach. Whether this shift will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, the company’s gaming future hinges on two pillars: a legendary franchise and a cloud platform poised for growth.
