Amazon Luna is absorbing Prime Gaming and getting controller-free games in the process
Amazon Luna Expands Offerings with Prime Gaming Integration and Controller-Free Games
Amazon's game streaming service, Luna, is set to receive a significant update, enhancing its features and expanding its game library. After a few years operating quietly in the background, Luna is now incorporating Prime Gaming into its platform, creating a seamless gaming experience for subscribers. This move also introduces a new collection of fun and accessible gaming options called "GameNight."
Introducing GameNight: Social Gaming for Everyone
One of the standout features of the Luna update is the GameNight collection, which includes over 25 multiplayer games designed for social play. With titles that reinterpret popular games like Angry Birds, Exploding Kittens, and Ticket to Ride, as well as entirely original games such as Courtroom Chaos: Starring Snoop Dogg, GameNight aims to bring friends and family together through fun and interactive gameplay.
GameNight's unique setup allows players to join in by simply scanning a QR code with their smartphones, transforming their devices into controllers. This innovative approach is reminiscent of Jackbox's party game format, but with the added convenience of being playable on a smartphone, removing the intimidation of traditional gaming controllers.
Expanding the Game Library
In addition to the social gaming aspect, Amazon is augmenting Luna’s library with several new high-profile titles. Upcoming games include Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Dave the Diver. While these games will still require a traditional controller—either Amazon's Luna Controller or a compatible Bluetooth controller—this diverse array of titles caters to a wide range of gaming preferences.
Prime Gaming Benefits Unchanged
Amazon reassures subscribers that it is not retiring the benefits of its Prime Gaming service. Originally launched as Twitch Prime, this program offers unique perks, including one free Twitch subscription and free PC games each month for users linking their Amazon and Twitch accounts. These benefits will continue even after the rebranding of Prime Gaming, and any free PC games redeemed will be available to users "wherever Amazon Prime is available as part of Luna Standard," including regions without direct access to Luna streaming.
A Strategic Move for Amazon's Gaming Future
This integration of Prime Gaming into Luna signals Amazon's commitment to prioritizing its gaming services. While Luna may not yet rival the extensive catalog of Xbox Cloud Gaming, the company's willingness to invest in game expansion and accessibility suggests a focused effort to enhance the gaming experience for subscribers. By making gaming more approachable with smartphone controls and a rich library of games, Amazon is positioning Luna as a noteworthy player in the cloud gaming landscape.
This strategic shift not only broadens the appeal of the platform but also addresses potential barriers for those who might feel daunted by conventional gaming equipment. As Amazon continues to evolve its offerings, gaming enthusiasts can look forward to a more expansive and inclusive experience with Luna.
Update, October 1 2025, 6:07PM ET: The story and its headline have been revised to include further details regarding Amazon's adjustments to Prime Gaming.
