Amazon Acquires Killer Instinct Developer Double Helix

Well that's weird.

Exciting! I wonder what this'll do to games? Hopefully shake it more than the Ouya did.

Also, it's probably important to mention that Amazon has said that they'll support Double Helix in all currently planned projects before moving on to new things.

Wow. This could be interesting...

Killer Cuts II: soon to be available on the Amazon MP3 store.

@the_nubster said:

That's a decent gesture.

The main thing I thought when I read this was, "Man, this seems like a really good opportunity for someone else to come in and totally screw up Killer Instinct". I don't have an X1, but it seems that a lot of people dig the game, so hopefully it isn't unfortunately affected by this.

Well that gets me thinking. Whats next for KI and whats Double Helix going to do and why them?

For some reason, as a guy who follows fighting games, I do seem very worried that DH is no longer supporting KI due to this acquisition.

I wonder if steam is getting a competitor? The article covers both hardware and content

:D

Well, technically Microsoft owns the rights to Killer Instinct not Double Helix but it can still happen though!

This news made me go "BWAAA?" but now as it sinks in it makes sense.

Huh...this is interesting...

Just about to say the same thing.

Huh. Cooooool?

As for the future of Killer Instinct, Microsoft told Polygon it's already lined up another developer. The company did not name the studio taking over for Double Helix, however.

They should give it to Iron Galaxy. I'm totally serious, I bet they'd do a great job.

Yup. That's pretty much the thought that went through my head when I saw the headline.

The new strider only available on the Amazon box ! take that steam box !!

So Foundation 9 Entertainment was at I think either 11 or 12 studios at their peak and after selling Double Helix, is now down to 2, Sumo Digital and Pipeworks. Sounds like that company isn't in a good way since they just sold what is far and away their most successful studio of late.

It's not exactly a secret that Amazon has been "into games" for years now? They've been hiring game people for like two years at least?

You would have thought Microsoft might have wanted them since they did release the new Killer Instinct. Just seems liked Microsoft enjoys letting developers sleep though there hands. There lack of understanding that they need good developers under them to make the Xbox One a success just amazes me.

At this point if there not going to have a strong consistant 1st party line up there really is no need for there machine to exist.

I guess that means after Fulgore we shouldn't expect to see anymore characters coming to KI? This is weird and I hope it doesn't fuck up how awesome Killer Instinct is on X1 right now.

I'm sure they would too, but I'd be curious if Microsoft would think the same way.

Amazon has had job postings for Amazon Game Studios up on Linkedin for months. Didn't realize they were going to be looking to snatch up studios though. Interesting, albeit weird, play.

Great!!!!The new Killer instinct sucked balls and looked like it belonged on the xbox 360 and had nothing to do with the KI series. after playing it and finding out it sucked so hard it put me off on buying a xbone. worst art direction ever in a fighting game. locks up plays like ass only had 6 characters, no content and nothing worked.

Toss that crap KI game they made and make a real KI game.

the strider game they was working on looked decent but after playing KI I changed my mind about playing that at all and I am a huge strider fan.

Oh and silent hill fans are still pissed they ruined tons of great games series.

Them working a android power console a small step above a Ouya/phone is a great fit for them that is all they can do. bad cell phone like games is what they should be working on.

I am thrilled that there is a chance they will no longer be touching the Killer instinct series.

Good riddance double helix you will not be missed you are where you belong now cheep ouya level console.

Make a new battleship sytle first person shooter for the amazon ouya console and keep your hands off old Ips it is where they should be.

I would much rather see Amazon as a publisher than as a android console maker.

Cool, I'm interested to see where this goes...

@cubical: Yes I couldn't agree more! After what they did to silent hill and not being interested in KI at all... I just wanted them to leave Strider alone so they don't mess up another I.P. they never created or just create a new game instead of clinging on to other peoples better work.

I just seem to sigh whenever I see anything announced from this company.

Cool stuff. Double Helix seems like a solid dev, with Killer Instinct being pretty good and the initial feedback from Jeff about Strider being good too, maybe they could make something good that Amazon can support and publish. I honestly hope it's more interesting and accessible than just Android software.

Honestly. KI seemed like a good suprise. Previous Double Helix games have been, shall we say, dubious. They seem to be getting better though, so I hope this works out for them.

that's really weird... Amazon published games?

I'm not sure how them purchasing a development studio means that they're getting into hardware. I understand that it's the rumor going around, but wouldn't it make more sense for them to get into publishing instead?