Amazon buys Killer Instinct studio Double Helix Games

Double Helix Games, the developer of Killer Instinct for Xbox One, has been purchased by Amazon. According to a report on Techcrunch, the deal was "for both talent and IP." As a result, Double Helix Games will now become official Amazon employees. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

So why would Amazon purchase a game studio? Well, if you ask the retail giant they'll say it's "part of our ongoing commitment to build innovative games for customers."

Or, it could have something to do with the video game console that Amazon is heavily rumored to be working on. Last month, reports claimed that Amazon is planning to launch an Android-powered “dedicated games and entertainment device this year priced below $300… [that] will compete directly with Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.”

As for the future of Killer Instinct, a Microsoft rep told Polygon that they it will continue to work on the game with a new development partner. "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," a spokesperson said. "We remain dedicated to delivering a great experience and plan to announce our new development partner soon."