Killer Instinct Studio Double Helix Purchased By Amazon

Amazon has purchased Killer Instinct and Strider developer Double Helix Games for an unknown sum. The retailer says they acquired Double Helix "as part of their ongoing commitment to build innovative games."

The studio, 75 people strong, will continue to operate out of Irvine, California. It's not clear whether they'll keep the same name or not. There's a chance they could just be absorbed by Amazon Game Studios, the retailer's internal network of developers.

TechCrunch reports that Amazon acquired both the studio and its intellectual properties. It's unknown what IP's are part of the deal, though. All of Double Helix's previous games, which include Front Mission Evolved and Silent Hill: Homecoming, were based on other companies' licenses. Perhaps Amazon bought the rights to games that Double Helix hasn't announced yet?

Double Helix's most recent release was Killer Instinct, a launch title for Xbox One. Publisher Microsoft says that the studio's acquisition by Amazon won't affect the future of that game, though.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Double Helix and wish them success in their next endeavour," a spokesperson told Eurogamer. "We want all of our loyal fans to know that the Killer Instinct team at Microsoft is not changing and that the franchise will remain with Microsoft Studios. We remain dedicated to delivering a great experience and plan to announce our new development partner soon. We're excited about the future of this popular franchise."

Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer added on Twitter that they planned for the transition and that the franchise is "in good hands."

Amazon is rumored to be making their own console. This hardware is said to be budget-priced and offer digital games, movies and music according to recent reports. Amazon will allegedly launch the console later this year and if that's true, we'll hear more about it soon. Maybe one of the launch titles will be a project from Double Helix?

Before any of that happens, though, Double Helix is releasing their reboot of Strider. The side-scrolling action game will debut on February 18th for PS3 and PS4. The Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC debut will follow on the 19th.