Amazon Luna Kicks It Up: Controller-Free Party Games for Prime Subscribers

Amazon Luna Updates Game Streaming Service with Controller-Free Party Games In a bid to attract more Prime subscribers, Amazon has revamped its game streaming service, Amazon Luna, by introducing "GameNight," a collection of social party games that can be played using just a smartphone. The new feature is designed to make gaming more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. According to Amazon, GameNight includes over 25 multiplayer games, some of which are reinterpretations of classic titles such as Angry Birds, Exploding Kittens, or Ticket to Ride. Others are entirely original and developed by Amazon, like Courtroom Chaos: Starring Snoop Dogg. The service uses a similar setup to Jackbox's multiplayer games, where players scan an on-screen QR code with their phone to join the game using their device as a controller. "We're excited to bring this new feature to our users," said Rohit Shetty, Amazon Luna's product manager. "We believe that gaming should be fun and accessible for everyone, regardless of their experience level or equipment." The introduction of GameNight is part of Amazon's efforts to revamp its game streaming service, which has been relatively quiet in recent years. According to a report by market research firm, Newzoo, the global game streaming market is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2023. Amazon Luna's GameNight collection includes games that cater to different tastes and preferences. For example, "Chaos" is a party game where players compete in wacky challenges, while "Ticket to Ride: London" is a digital version of the popular board game. The service also features games developed by Amazon itself, such as "Courtroom Chaos: Starring Snoop Dogg," which combines elements of law and order with hip-hop. The addition of GameNight is expected to attract more users to Amazon Luna's platform, particularly those who have been intimidated by traditional gaming controllers or haven't taken advantage of the service as part of their Prime subscription. According to a survey conducted by Amazon, 70% of gamers prefer playing games on their smartphones rather than consoles. The update is set to roll out in the coming weeks, with new games and features being added regularly. As Amazon continues to invest in its game streaming service, it remains to be seen whether GameNight will be enough to draw in more users and make Luna a major player in the gaming industry. In related news, Amazon has announced plans to expand its game development team, hiring experienced developers from top studios such as Electronic Arts and Activision. The move is expected to boost the quality and quantity of games available on the platform. As Amazon continues to push the boundaries of game streaming, one thing is clear: the company is committed to making gaming more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With GameNight, Amazon Luna takes a significant step towards achieving this goal. *Reporting by Engadget.*