Amazon Luna, Amazon’s cloud gaming service, has expanded its reach to other countries and boosted the game library. It was initially launched in the US, but now it reaches the UK, Germany, Canada, then also Italy, France, and Spain. The expansion is a significant move by Amazon into the cloud gaming space that lost Google Stadia.
Amazon Luna is available on a range of devices, such as Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Windows PCs, Chromebooks, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android phones. An Amazon Luna app and a compatible device are the only requirements the user needs. While the Luna controller is available for purchase, it is not required; the service can be played using any Bluetooth controller.
Luna is offering a combination of games across different subscription levels. Luna+ offers over 100 games with diverse genres for $9.99 a month. The users can also subscribe to other third-party channels like Ubisoft+ and Jackbox Games. Ubisoft+ provides access to franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. A rotating list of free games is included with Prime subscription for its users.
In December 2022, Amazon merged its Family and Retro channels into the core Luna+ service, simplifying the subscription model but reducing the overall library of games by 56 titles. The decision was made to make the service simpler and easier to access for users.
The cloud gaming market remains niche, but Amazon Luna’s expansion and simpler model can attract users who previously relied on Google Stadia. The convenience of access, with no need to purchase games separately, will be appealing to users seeking a hassle-free cloud gaming experience. However, it still lags behind the likes of Xbox Game Pass in library size.
There is speculation regarding whether Amazon’s first-party titles, created by Amazon Game Studios, will be available on Luna. Presently, the games are not supported on the platform, partially because of technical and infrastructure constraints. Nevertheless, Amazon might include these games by creating different builds or employing other multiplayer backends.
Amazon Luna’s capacity to interoperate with games from other platforms, like Ubisoft and GOG, reflects its potential for future collaborations. This may involve collaborations with EA, possibly introducing EA games to the platform. These collaborations would greatly boost the game offerings and market competitiveness of Luna.
In general, Amazon Luna’s growth and strategic partnerships are significant moves toward positioning it as a legitimate contender in the cloud gaming space. Obstacles aside, the service offers a compelling option for consumers to enjoy a streamlined gaming experience without having to buy individual games.
