Ubisoft Takes the Reins of ‘March of Giants’: A Sign of Shifting Power in the MOBA Landscape?
The gaming world recently witnessed a surprising shift as Amazon handed over the development of its in-development MOBA, March of Giants, to Ubisoft. This isn’t just a change of ownership; it’s a fascinating indicator of the challenges and opportunities within the fiercely competitive MOBA genre, and a potential glimpse into the future of game development funding and distribution.
The MOBA Market: Still a Titan, But Evolving
For years, Dota 2 and League of Legends have reigned supreme in the MOBA space, consistently ranking among the most-played PC games globally. League of Legends, for example, boasts over 180 million monthly players as of late 2023 (source: Riot Games). However, the market is showing signs of subtle evolution. While player numbers remain high, attracting *new* players to these established giants is increasingly difficult. This creates an opening for ambitious newcomers like March of Giants, but also highlights the risk for developers.
The MOBA genre demands significant, sustained investment. Live service games require constant content updates, balance patches, and community management. Amazon’s decision to offload March of Giants suggests that maintaining that level of investment, particularly in a crowded market, proved more challenging than anticipated. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of the game’s quality – the 98% positive feedback from alpha testers is a strong indicator – but rather a strategic realignment.
Why Ubisoft? The Appeal of Experienced Hands
Ubisoft’s acquisition isn’t just about taking on a new project; it’s about bringing experienced developers back into the fold. Creative Director Xavier Marquis and Senior Production Leader Alexandre Parizeau, both veterans of Ubisoft (Marquis notably led creative direction on Rainbow Six Siege), are key to this deal. Their prior success demonstrates a proven ability to deliver engaging, long-lasting multiplayer experiences.
Pro Tip: Experienced leadership is often the most valuable asset in game development. A strong vision and the ability to execute it effectively can make or break a project, especially in a complex genre like MOBA.
Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, explicitly stated the acquisition represents a “real opportunity” to strengthen their position in the multiplayer arena. This suggests Ubisoft sees potential in March of Giants to carve out a niche, potentially by focusing on tactical depth and teamplay – areas where the game reportedly excels.
The Rise of Strategic Partnerships and Outsourcing
Amazon’s continued involvement in marketing March of Giants through Twitch is a crucial element of this deal. It exemplifies a growing trend in the gaming industry: strategic partnerships and outsourcing. Large corporations like Amazon are increasingly willing to collaborate with established developers rather than solely relying on in-house studios. This allows them to leverage expertise and share risk.
We’ve seen similar moves recently with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and Sony’s continued investment in external studios. The cost of developing AAA games is skyrocketing, making it financially unsustainable for many companies to go it alone. Expect to see more of these collaborative arrangements in the future.
What Does This Mean for the Future of MOBAs?
The March of Giants situation could signal a shift in how new MOBAs approach the market. Instead of directly challenging League of Legends and Dota 2 head-on, new entrants may focus on niche audiences or innovative gameplay mechanics. The emphasis on tactical depth and teamplay in March of Giants suggests a potential differentiator.
Did you know? The mobile MOBA market is also experiencing significant growth, particularly in Asia. Games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Arena of Valor have amassed huge player bases, demonstrating the genre’s adaptability.
Furthermore, the integration of streaming platforms like Twitch into the marketing strategy is becoming increasingly vital. Amazon’s continued involvement highlights the power of influencer marketing and live gameplay demonstrations in building hype and attracting players.
FAQ
- What is a MOBA? A MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) is a genre of strategy video game where two teams compete to destroy each other’s base.
- Will March of Giants be released? Currently, there is no confirmed release date.
- What platforms will March of Giants be available on? The game is currently in development for PC.
- What makes March of Giants different? Early reports suggest a strong focus on tactical depth and meaningful teamplay.
This acquisition is a compelling case study in the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. It demonstrates the challenges of breaking into established genres, the value of experienced leadership, and the growing importance of strategic partnerships. The future of March of Giants remains to be seen, but its journey so far offers valuable insights into the trends shaping the MOBA landscape and the broader gaming world.
Want to learn more about the MOBA genre? Check out our article on The History of MOBAs and Their Impact on Esports.
What are your thoughts on Ubisoft taking over March of Giants? Share your predictions in the comments below!
