Ubisoft has announced the acquisition of the in-development free-to-play MOBA, 'March of Giants,' from Amazon Games. This strategic move also includes the integration of Amazon Games Montreal, the studio behind the game, into Ubisoft's existing Montreal operations. This development signifies a notable shift for Amazon, which has been gradually reducing its involvement in traditional video game production, while Ubisoft seeks to expand its footprint in the highly competitive MOBA genre and reinforce its commitment to live service gaming.
The agreement sees 'March of Giants' creative director Xavier Marquis and Ubisoft Toronto managing director Alexandre Parizeau, both of whom previously held significant roles at Ubisoft, returning to the company. Marquis expressed enthusiasm for the transition, highlighting the game's substantial potential and Ubisoft's capacity to elevate its development. Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the game's fresh and dynamic approach to the MOBA landscape and its potential to enhance Ubisoft's competitive standing in this major gaming segment.
Ubisoft leadership looks forward to welcoming back key personnel and the entire 'March of Giants' team. Guillemot underscored that the team's ambition, creativity, and talent align perfectly with the company's objective to create innovative new experiences for players. He affirmed Ubisoft's commitment to supporting the team in shaping the future of this promising intellectual property.
The MOBA market is notoriously challenging, dominated by giants like 'League of Legends' and 'Dota 2.' Many new entries, such as 'Gigantic: Rampage Edition' and 'Seekers of Skyveil,' have struggled to gain traction and quickly ceased operations. Even established titles like 'Smite 2' from Hi-Rez Studios have faced difficulties, including layoffs and game shutdowns, in recent years. The current landscape suggests that only games from major developers like Valve's 'Deadlock' truly have the potential to disrupt the genre.
Early reception for 'March of Giants' has been somewhat muted, with its closed alpha in September generating limited community engagement. Official updates and community forums show minimal activity, raising questions about the game's broader appeal. Despite these challenges, Ubisoft appears confident that 'March of Giants,' potentially adopting a pricing model similar to 'League of Legends' or 'Dota 2,' could align well with its future focus on live service gaming models.
Meanwhile, Amazon's withdrawal from core video game development is not total. The company remains committed to publishing two new 'Tomb Raider' titles announced at The Game Awards 2025. Additionally, Amazon is exploring ventures into AI-driven content, exemplified by projects like 'Courtroom Chaos Featuring Snoop Dogg,' indicating a diversified approach to its remaining involvement in the gaming industry.
This strategic acquisition by Ubisoft highlights its ambition to carve out a significant share in the demanding MOBA market, leveraging experienced talent and a promising new title. As Amazon continues to re-evaluate its gaming strategy, Ubisoft is actively investing in areas that align with its long-term vision for live service and competitive online experiences.
