Amazon Game Studios has been around for many years now, beginning early development on projects back in 2014. Now, with the company's first major release now out of the way, Amazon Games Studios will be shaking things up internally, with former head, Mike Frazzini, stepping down.
Mike Frazzini has had a long career at Amazon, initially working on books and ebooks, before heading up the company's gaming division and helping build up the business. Now, he is stepping down, as confirmed by Amazon, although a new head of studios has not yet been named.
Amazon Game Studios has struggled to get off the ground for years, with its in-development projects going through internal reboots, and veteran developers leaving the studio due to issues with leadership. There has been some criticism of Frazzini in the past, with some sources pointing out his lack of prior experience in the games industry.
Previously, sources speaking with Bloomberg have cited leadership has the key reason behind Amazon's struggles with game development, despite having the talent in-house to produce great titles. Now, Amazon has the opportunity to hire someone with more direct experience in the industry, to help with the development of new titles, and secure publishing deals for third-party games like Lost Ark.
KitGuru Says: Amazon Game Studios has had a painfully slow start, but the company has been very active over the last six months. Now, the company will need to hire a new head, capable of capitalising on current momentum.