At this year's Summer Game Fest, I had the opportunity to dive into two of Amazon's highly anticipated MMOs: New World: Aeternum and Throne & Liberty. My previous experiences with Amazon's MMO offerings include dabbling in Lost Ark, and observing the company's ambitious but tumultuous journey with a Lord of the Rings MMO—announced, canceled, and re-announced over time. While Amazon's gaming portfolio isn't exclusively focused on MMOs (with titles like Blue Protocol on the way, Crucible having been scrapped, and the recent acquisition of Tomb Raider), there is a clear pattern. However, when I sat down with Daniel Lafuente and Merv Lee Kwai from Amazon to discuss Throne & Liberty, this apparent MMO trend was not their primary focus.

Amazon's Broader Ambitions

"There's definitely a quality bar that we strive for in the titles that we're bringing to market," Lafuente tells me. "And it just so happens that we have MMOs right now, but our portfolio intends to be broad over the next couple of years. Maybe you've heard the news about the Tomb Raider game. It's not just MMOs that we're bringing to market. It does happen to buy Throne and Liberty Lucent  be the focus of the moment, but we have broad ambitions."

While Amazon has its sights set on a diversified game portfolio, the company's track record is mixed. Tomb Raider is currently in one of the longest dry spells the series has faced since its inception in the '90s. Blue Protocol, expected by many to be released by now, still has a vague 2024 release date. Meanwhile, Crucible was released to a poor reception, returned to beta, and eventually canceled. Despite these setbacks, Amazon's current MMO-centric focus is undeniable. However, this focus is part of a larger strategy to build a robust framework for future endeavors.

Lessons from Lost Ark and New World

What has Amazon learned from Lost Ark and New World that it is channeling into Throne & Liberty? This was a topic on which Lafuente and Kwai remained somewhat tight-lipped. "Running games at this size and scale is very difficult, mostly because of the games as a service and the operational components," Lafuente says. "And I think we're setting ourselves up for success by starting with these more challenging titles and then creating an infrastructure and a framework to support any of the other games we bring to market."

Throne & Liberty: A New Chapter

Throne & Liberty, developed in collaboration with NCSoft, represents Amazon's latest venture into the MMO genre. The game promises to offer a fresh take on the genre, with innovative gameplay mechanics and a rich, immersive world. Despite the challenges that come with developing and maintaining MMOs, Amazon is committed to leveraging the lessons learned from its previous titles to ensure the success of Throne & Liberty.

Quality and Player Experience

One of the key takeaways from my conversation with Lafuente and Kwai is Amazon's emphasis on quality and player experience. "We are very focused on ensuring that our games meet a certain quality standard," Kwai explains. "This means investing in the right technology, the right people, and the right processes to deliver a seamless and engaging experience for our players."

Building a Robust Infrastructure

To support its ambitious plans, Amazon is investing heavily in building a robust infrastructure. This includes developing advanced server technologies and creating a scalable platform that can handle the complexities of running large-scale online games. "By starting with these more challenging titles, we are setting ourselves up for success in the long term," Lafuente says. "We are building the infrastructure and the framework necessary to support a wide range of games, not just MMOs."

The Role of Community Feedback

Another important aspect of Amazon's strategy is the incorporation of community feedback. "Listening to our players and understanding their needs is crucial," Kwai notes. "We are constantly gathering feedback and using it to make informed decisions about the development and direction of our games."

Throne & Liberty's Unique Features

Throne & Liberty is set to offer several unique features that distinguish it from other MMOs on the market. These include dynamic weather systems, intricate player interactions, and a world that evolves based on player actions. "We want players to feel like they are part of a living, breathing world," Kwai says. "The decisions they make will have real consequences, and the world will change and adapt based on their actions."

Expanding Beyond MMOs

While MMOs are currently at the forefront of Amazon's gaming efforts, the company has broader ambitions that extend beyond this genre. The acquisition of the Tomb Raider franchise is a testament to this, as Amazon seeks to diversify its portfolio and reach a wider audience. "We are exploring a variety of genres and experiences," Lafuente explains. "Our goal is to bring high-quality, engaging games to buy TL Lucent players around the world, regardless of the genre."

The Future of Amazon Games

Looking ahead, Amazon is poised to make significant strides in the gaming industry. With a strong focus on quality, player experience, and innovation, the company is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals. "We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming," Kwai says. "Whether it's through MMOs like Throne & Liberty, or other types of games, we want to create experiences that resonate with players and stand the test of time."

Conclusion

Throne & Liberty marks an important milestone in Amazon's journey as a game developer and publisher. While the company's current focus on MMOs is evident, its broader ambitions and commitment to quality suggest a promising future. By leveraging the lessons learned from previous titles and investing in robust infrastructure and community engagement, Amazon is setting the stage for success in the gaming industry. As the release of Throne & Liberty approaches, players can look forward to a rich, immersive experience that reflects Amazon's dedication to delivering top-tier games.