Rumors circulate that the online retailer may be getting ready to release its own console
It seems like every major retailer is trying to benefit from the ever-increasing popularity of gaming. Amazon, the online retailer of choice for a majority of consumers, looks to be the latest gearing up to enter the gamersphere. Its latest acquisition is Double Helix Games, the studio behind the popular ‘Killer Instinct’ Xbox One launch title reboot.
The original Killer Instinct
Amazon’s History in Gaming
This is not Amazon’s first jump into the gaming world. Back in 2008, they purchased casual game maker and online distributor Reflexive Entertainment. GameCircle was launched in July 2012, with the goal of encouraging game makers to develop titles for the Kindle Fire. Amazon Game Studios launched their first title on Facebook, Living Classics, shortly after. Recently Amazon has been reaching out to acquire staff and game developers, and have more than rumored their interest in creating an all-in-one console that will combine streaming games, movies, music, and TV in one device. In a report from VG247, they stated that Amazon was originally planning to release a set-top box during the 2013 holiday season, but it was pushed back at the last moment and is now due for 2014. Reports indicate that we can expect the console to be in the sub-$300 range. With Amazon already offering streaming movies and TV with their Prime membership, it comes as no surprise that they would take their expertise and massive following to the world of consoles.
Double Helix Games
Double Helix Games Studio Logo
The acquisition of Double Helix may be just what Amazon needs to finalize their plans. Double Helix was founded in 2007 and is currently located in Orange County, California. Shiny Entertainment (maker of the classic games Earthworm Jim, Sacrifice, MDK, and Enter the Matrix) combined forces with The Collective, Inc., the studio behind Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This collective prompted by the parent company of both, Foundation 9 Entertainment, formed the new Double Helix Games. Their first game was the 6th entry in the Silent Hill series, Silent Hill: Homecoming, which was fairly well received. With its new Amazon takeover, we can expect that they will now have the backing and support needed to make even higher quality games.
Do you think Amazon has what it takes to be a competitor in the world of console gaming? Will you be planning on purchasing their device? Tell us in the comments below!