Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:MARTIN BUREAU / AFP / Getty Images
Apps
Biotech & Health
clime
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
endeavor
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
Gadgets
Gaming
Government & Policy
computer hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
societal
Space
startup
TikTok
Transportation
Venture
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
newssheet
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Amazon announced another bunch of layoffs this hebdomad along with plan to discontinue theCrown line , a flashy Amazon - extend Twitch channel that boast television - like programming . Amazon will also shutter its Game Growth radical , which helped creators in the gaming world market themselves .
The layoff will affect “ just over ” 180 roles across those group . In April , Amazoneliminated around 100 rolesin its games division . “ After our initial restructuring in April , it became clear that we needed to focalize our resources even more on the areas that are grow with the highest potential to drive our business concern forward , ” Hartmann wrote .
In February , Bloomberg reportedthat Amazon ’s Crown TV channel on Twitch was inflate viewer turn artificially using “ dust views . ” The Crown channel attract adman through expensive nursing home page furtherance that at times made the channel seem as democratic as Twitch ’s top tier pennon .
“ Although Crown appears to pull back in 1000 of viewers each livestream , comparatively few people follow the TV channel or participate in its chats — suggesting they are n’t engaging with the content , ” Bloomberg reported at the time .
According to Amazon voice Brittney Hefner , the restructuring will focus Amazon ’s play efforts on its “ basal business ” of creating games in - house — likeNew World , its 2021 monumental multiplayer title and a forthcomingLord of the Rings game — and publishing games from away developers .
The company offer the full memoranda to faculty , which is embedded below .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
“ Hello everyone ,
I have some crucial news show to share with you all today about the future of our business .
As I ’ve shared previously , our goal for Amazon Games is to become one of the leading creators of mellow - quality play content that delights histrion for years to add up . Part of this sheer vision involve experimentation as we explore what gamers want most and we on a regular basis review these experiments to insure we ’re produce the most impact .
After our initial restructuring in April , it became clear that we need to focus our resources even more on the areas that are growing with the high potentiality to motor our business forward . As such , the leading team and I have made the difficult decision to close up two of our initiatives – Crown Channel and Game Growth . We are also refocusing our effort for Prime Gaming . We ’ve listen to our customers and we know delivering innocent game every month is what they want most , so we are refining our Prime benefit to increase our direction there . With these changes in our occupation approach come change to our resourcing , resulting in the voiding of just over 180 roles .
I have it away this is hard news and that the impingement will be felt widely . It never feels good to say good day to colleagues . This is n’t a decision the leading team came to quickly ; it was the resolution of extensive considerations and road mapping for our futurity . We are majestic of the work the team have been doing , pushing into new region with weekly content on Crown Channel , and finding more ways to help publishers reach new audiences with Game Growth . But after further evaluation of our businesses , it became clear that we need focus our resource and efforts to deliver heavy games to player now and in the hereafter .
Each employee whose use has been impacted should now have a live meeting scheduled this morning so we can discourse these variety directly . We are also work to assure all impacted employee are given the musical accompaniment they need on an individual degree , admit rupture pay , outplacement service , wellness insurance benefits and more . Your managers , business leaders and HRBPs are available for conversation and we have a licensed counsel usable 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Program ( US Phone : 1 - 833 - 721 - 2323 , outside of the US , please snap here for impinging info ) .
I recognize that this is the 2nd fourth dimension this year that you are hearing about org - wide squad changes and seeing colleague go , so let me be very clear when I say this : I rest confident in our time to come . We are developing and write nifty games with high potential , our studio teams are growing , and our roadmap is bright . We are center on our upcoming publishing launches for Throne and Liberty and Blue Protocol , as well as next projects like our Tomb Raider and The Lord of the Rings game , and our projection with Glowmade and Disruptive Games . Our home studio are actively recruiting and engage to fill critical use as they prepare Modern IP , while Prime Gaming continues to plug deals and render compelling content for fellow member every month . We are attached to our vision of becoming one of the run developers and publishers of high - quality game , and focusing our resources consequently will help us get there .
If you have questions , please reach out to me or your team direct .
Thanks ,
Christoph ”
Amazon is developing a Lord of the Rings MMO
