Amazon buys Killer Instinct developer Double Helix Games

Online retailer Amazon has acquired Double Helix Games, the studio behind Xbox One launch title Killer Instinct and the upcoming downloadable Strider reboot. The developer confirmed with GameSpot today that the acquisition has taken place.

An Amazon representative told GameSpot, "Amazon has acquired Double Helix as part of our ongoing commitment to build innovative games for customers."

According to a report on TechCrunch, the deal includes Double Helix Games staff and intellectual property. The studio's 75 employees will continue working out of the Orange County office as Amazon staff. Double Helix's current line-up of games and future plans will continue to be supported.

The story follows rumours of Amazon's plans to launch an Android-powered games and entertainment device this year. The device will reportedly cost less than $300 and allow users to stream and download games, music, movies, and TV content.

Amazon has taken several steps into the gaming industry in recent years, employing an internal game development team and hiring Halo writer Erik Nylund to become Amazon's director of narrative design for an unspecified project.

"I can't talk about specifics, but I wouldn't be there unless something cool was brewing," he said at the time. It sounds like we're going to get those specifics very soon.