GDC 2018: Amazon reveals GameOn

Amazon are taking the cross-platform by the horns and have revealed GameOn. Utilising the same technology as Amazon Web Services and the cloud, GameOn will provide multiplayer leagues, leaderboards and the ability for fans and developers alike to create bespoke events and competitions that will offer real-world prizes.

Several games such as Fortnite have already introduced cross-platform between PC and Mobile but Amazon aim to deliver a new platform that is designed to help developers implement crossplay between console, PC, and mobile. This might just be the key to opening the door for smaller developers to enter the cross-platform market. 

"We built Amazon GameOn to give developers simple, yet powerful tools to foster community through competitive gameplay."

-Marja Koopmans, Director, Amazon Competitive Gaming

Amazon have stated that the service will begin with small events, this is clearly to test the waters and see if the service is appealing to players and developers. GameOn is already being used by several companies such as; nWay, GameInsight, Millennial Esports’ Eden Games, Umbrella Games, Nazar, Mindstorm, Mokuni, Avix and GameCloud Studios.

GameOn will be free to developers until 1st May, 2018, once that date has passed the first 35,000 players per month are free and then developer will have to pay $0.003 per play. Real-world prizes will only be available to the US audience at launch, there is no mention when this service will be rolled out to other countries as of writing this article.