Christoph Hartmann, the head of Amazon Game Studios, is reportedly departing the company. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier announced the news on BlueSky, indicating a significant shift in Amazon’s gaming strategy.
Shift from PC and Console to Cloud Gaming
Amazon is pivoting away from PC and console games. Instead, the company is increasingly favoring its Luna cloud streaming service, which launched in 2023. This strategic change aligns with Amazon’s broader goal to optimize its gaming division.
Recent Layoffs at Amazon
In conjunction with Hartmann’s departure, Amazon is undergoing another round of layoffs. This will affect approximately 16,000 employees, aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing ownership, and reducing bureaucracy. Beth Galetti, Amazon’s SVP of People Experience and Technology, announced this initiative.
Impact on the Gaming Division
While it’s uncertain if recent layoffs will directly impact the gaming sector, a pullback from PC and console projects suggests there could be consequences for developers in that division. Earlier in October 2025, the company initiated layoffs that significantly affected its games business, particularly in Irvine and San Diego.
Focus on Big-Budget Titles
Amazon has also reported diminishing its investment in big-budget titles. One notable project, the MMO “New World Aeternum,” is scheduled to be taken offline in January 2027. This further illustrates the company’s strategic shift within the gaming landscape.
Hartmann’s Career at Amazon
Since joining Amazon in 2018 as Vice President of Game Studios, Hartmann has played a key role in shaping its gaming initiatives. Before this, he spent over 20 years at 2K Games, co-founding the company in 2005 and serving as its president.
At the time of his joining, Hartmann expressed enthusiasm about Amazon’s unique position in the gaming industry. He emphasized the potential to connect millions worldwide through gaming, leveraging technology from AWS and communities like Twitch.
Looking Ahead
As Amazon Games undergoes this transition, the focus will shift to prioritizing cloud gaming and potentially revamping its project portfolio. The future of the gaming division remains uncertain, but the emphasis is clearly moving towards the rapidly evolving landscape of cloud gaming.
