Amazon Games: From Stumbles to Success in the Realm of Eastern MMOs
The gaming industry has witnessed Amazon Games’ tumultuous journey, from its initial struggles to its recent triumphs. Yet, amidst the turbulence, one aspect remains constant: Amazon Games’ unwavering commitment to publishing Eastern MMOs in the Western market. This strategic move has propelled the company to the forefront of the gaming scene, earning it both accolades and skepticism.
Throne and Liberty: A New Frontier in Eastern MMOs
Amazon Games’ latest endeavor is the highly anticipated Throne and Liberty, an Eastern MMO developed by NCSoft, the masterminds behind the legendary Lineage series. Throne and Liberty promises to captivate players with its fast-paced combat, large-scale battles, and innovative environmental control mechanics. Scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X with full cross-play support, Throne and Liberty aims to redefine the MMO experience.
Amazon’s Tumultuous Past: Lessons Learned
Amazon Games’ foray into game development has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. The company’s early attempts, such as the ill-fated Crucible, met with lukewarm reception, casting doubt on Amazon’s capabilities as a game developer. However, Amazon remained undeterred, focusing its efforts on publishing Eastern MMOs, a niche that had been largely overlooked by Western publishers.
The decline in the popularity of MMOs in recent years further fueled skepticism surrounding Amazon Games’ strategy. Yet, the company remained resolute, believing that Eastern MMOs possessed unique qualities that could resonate with Western audiences.
New World and Lost Ark: A Tale of Two Fortunes
Amazon Games’ first major foray into Eastern MMOs was New World, a sandbox MMORPG set in a mystical world inspired by the Age of Exploration. While New World received positive reviews upon its release in 2021, it failed to achieve the breakout success that Amazon had hoped for. Despite its initial shortcomings, New World provided valuable lessons for the company, highlighting the importance of ongoing content updates and community engagement.
In stark contrast to New World’s moderate reception, Lost Ark, another Eastern MMO published by Amazon Games, emerged as a resounding success. Released in February 2022, Lost Ark quickly ascended to the top of the Steam charts, captivating players with its engaging gameplay, captivating storyline, and free-to-play model. Lost Ark’s triumph cemented Amazon Games’ position as a formidable publisher of Eastern MMOs, vindicating its strategic focus.
Amazon Games’ Future: Building on Success
Buoyed by the success of Lost Ark, Amazon Games is doubling down on its commitment to Eastern MMOs. The company has secured publishing rights for two highly anticipated titles: Blue Protocol from Bandai Namco and Throne and Liberty from NCSoft. Both games have generated immense excitement among MMO enthusiasts, raising hopes that Amazon Games can replicate the success of Lost Ark.
Amazon Games Vice President Christoph Hartmann recently shared his insights on the company’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of long-term, high-quality games. Hartmann acknowledged the lessons learned from Lost Ark’s global success and expressed Amazon Games’ commitment to delivering an exceptional Throne and Liberty experience at launch.
Unanswered Questions and Future Prospects
Despite Amazon Games’ recent successes, several questions remain unanswered. It is uncertain whether Blue Protocol and Throne and Liberty will be able to match the popularity of Lost Ark, a game that has set a high benchmark for Eastern MMOs in the West. Furthermore, it is unclear whether Amazon Games will continue to prioritize Eastern MMOs or expand into other genres, such as the upcoming Tomb Raider game.
Conclusion: A Unique Position in the Gaming Landscape
Amazon Games occupies a unique position in the gaming industry, having carved out a niche as a publisher of Eastern MMOs in the West. The company’s recent successes with New World and Lost Ark have demonstrated the potential of this underserved market. However, the future of Amazon Games remains uncertain, hinging on the success of upcoming titles like Blue Protocol and Throne and Liberty. As the company navigates the ever-changing landscape of the gaming industry, it will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities. Only time will tell whether Amazon Games can maintain its momentum and solidify its position as a leading publisher of Eastern MMOs.
