Amazon Games Launches European Development Hub in Bucharest Led by Industry Veteran

Amazon Games has inaugurated a new European game production hub under the leadership of a seasoned professional from Ubisoft. This fresh facility is located in Bucharest, Romania, with Cristian Pana at the helm. Pana, with his extensive background as Ubisoft Bucharest’s former managing director, brings over twenty years of expertise to the table, having contributed to the launch of notable games such as Tom Clancy’s The Division and The Crew.

Currently on a recruitment drive for various positions, the studio aims to dedicate its efforts towards bolstering the diverse array of offerings from Amazon Games both presently and in the times ahead. Among the titles Amazon Games has launched are the high-reaching live-service ventures, New World and Lost Ark. Additionally, work is underway on a new installment in the Tomb Raider franchise alongside a fresh The Lord of the Rings title, among other secretive projects.

In its quest to enrich the gaming landscape, Amazon Games will also be the publisher behind an innovative title from British independent developer Glowmade and the anticipated anime-style action RPG, Blue Protocol, developed by Bandai Namco’s Project Sky Blue. Pana expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating: “Joining Amazon Games during this phase of dynamic expansion across their impressive roadmap is exhilarating. I have previously directed and cultivated high-caliber teams, and I’m confident this region of Europe is replete with top-tier gaming talent.”

Christoph Hartmann, Vice President of Amazon Games, shed light on the firm's expansive gaming endeavors. “Our mission at Amazon Games revolves around crafting and disseminating exceptional games. We are poised with an ambitious, far-reaching plan, and extending our developmental reach into Europe is a logical progression in this journey,” he remarked. Hartmann highlighted Bucharest’s recognition as a burgeoning hub for game development within Europe and the opportunity to engage with the city’s exceptional talent reserve.

The decision by Amazon to establish a new auxiliary studio underscores the company's commitment to its expanding suite of forthcoming titles and the enhancement of its existing live-service games roster, indicating a strategic advancement in its gaming division.