Ubisoft Acquires Amazon Games Montreal, Takes Reins of MOBA ‘March of Giants’
A surprise acquisition sees the development team behind the upcoming free-to-play MOBA, ‘March of Giants,’ move from Amazon to Ubisoft, with Amazon retaining marketing ties through Twitch.
The competitive multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) landscape is bracing for a new contender, but the path to market for “March of Giants” has taken an unexpected turn. Ubisoft has acquired Amazon Games Montreal, the studio developing the 4vs4, free-to-play title, in a transaction the value of which has not been disclosed. This move effectively transfers ownership of the game and its development team from Amazon to the “Assassin’s Creed” publisher.
According to a press release distributed to Insider Gaming, Ubisoft will assume full control of “March of Giants,” while Amazon will continue to support the project through marketing initiatives on its streaming platform, Twitch. The game aims to distinguish itself within the crowded MOBA sector by allowing players to embody the role of a “Giant,” a powerful creature capable of both direct combat and strategic deployment of armies and tactical structures known as Battleworks.
Currently, “March of Giants” remains in active development, with the team actively conducting alpha testing and soliciting player feedback to refine the gaming experience. Despite the game not having a firm release date, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence in the project’s potential, stating in a LinkedIn post that “March of Giants” “has huge potential in the ultra-dynamic segment of the Online Multiplayer Battle Arena.” The acquisition also marks the return of key personnel who previously worked at Ubisoft.
Ubisoft Welcomes Back Former Leadership
The acquisition brings back Xavier Marquis, formerly the creative director of “Rainbow Six Siege,” and Alex Parizeau, who previously served as managing director at Ubisoft Toronto. Both had recently been leading development on “March of Giants” under Amazon Games, but will now immediately rejoin Ubisoft. Developers anticipate both will continue to contribute to the MOBA’s development.
“Returning to Ubisoft comes full circle,” Marquis stated in the official press release. “We designed some of our most significant work here and we are excited to continue the development of March of Giants from Ubisoft. This game has enormous potential and I know that Ubisoft can help us take it to the next level.”
Parizeau echoed this sentiment, adding, “I send my thanks to Amazon for their commitment during the first chapters of March of Giants. Our closed alpha was a major milestone and showed a glimpse of the game’s true promise. Now, joining Ubisoft, we come together around a shared vision to make March of Giants a large and durable MOBA.”
Ubisoft has indicated that further details regarding the studio’s new branding and the evolving features of “March of Giants” will be revealed in the coming months, as development continues in their Toronto offices. This strategic move underscores Ubisoft’s commitment to expanding its presence in the competitive online multiplayer arena and leveraging the expertise of a talented development team.
