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[Update] Microsoft Talks On Amazon Acquiring Killer Instinct Dev Double Helix Games
Update #2: Microsoft has commented on Amazon's acquisition of Killer Instinct developer Double Helix Games.
Polygon has obtained the following comment from Microsoft, which mentions the future of the Killer Instinct franchise.
We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Double Helix and wish them success in their next endeavor. We want all of our loyal fans to know that the Killer Instinct team at Microsoft is not changing and that the franchise will remain with Microsoft Studios. We remain dedicated to delivering a great experience and plan to announce our new development partner soon. We're excited about the future of this popular franchise.
[Source: Polygon]
Update #1: Amazon has confirmed the acquisition to Game Informer with the comment, "Amazon has acquired Double Helix as part of our ongoing commitment to build innovative games for customers."
It's still not entirely clear what Amazon's specific plans are for the developer, but it will definitely have the studio doing what it does best: make video games. Last year, we reported on Amazon releasing an Android based console to compete in the video game console market. You can read more about that here.
Original Story:
Reports have appeared online that Amazon, the online retailer, has acquired video game developer Double Helix Games.
Double Helix Games is the developer behind the recent Xbox One exclusive Killer Instinct, and the upcoming reboot of Strider, which is releasing later this month.
According to a report from TechCrunch, news of the acquisition leaked early in the form of an invite to a joint recruiting event for Amazon and Double Helix. Amazon then confirmed the acquisition to the site. The purchase apparently includes the studio, all of its employees, and intellectual properties owned by Double Helix.
We've reached out to Amazon ourselves for more information and will update our story when we receive a response.
[Source: TechCrunch]
Our Take
This isn't too surprising, considering Amazon's upcoming console reports, but it's still a strange headline to see Amazon acquire a video game developer. It is especially strange considering the developer is one who has recently seen success with Microsoft, and is working with Capcom to release Strider later this month. That being said, Amazon is a very successful company, and committing to it is a fairly safe bet. I'm excited to see what the company, who has historically not made video games (but has recently dipped its toes in the water), has in store for the industry.
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