Ubisoft has taken a major step into the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre with its acquisition of *March of Giants* from Amazon. The deal not only hands Ubisoft a promising game but also reunites the company with several familiar developers who previously worked on iconic Ubisoft titles. According to the agreement, Amazon will continue to promote *March of Giants* on Twitch, using its global streaming reach to keep fans engaged and attract competitive gaming audiences. The acquisition is expected to close on December 16, marking a new chapter for both companies in how they approach online and live-service games.
The Rebirth of a Giant Project
*March of Giants* began as an Amazon Games Montreal project, envisioned as a fast-paced, large-scale MOBA that blended traditional team strategy with real-time action mechanics. Announced in August, the free-to-play title immediately caught players’ interest for its unique concept—commanding massive war giants and leading thousands of troops in epic 4v4 battles. A closed alpha held later that year gave Amazon valuable player feedback, though many expected further development time would be needed before a full release. With Ubisoft now at the helm, the next major playtest is scheduled for 2026, featuring new giants, expanded competitiveness, and core systems designed for sustained long-term growth.
Ubisoft plans to channel its extensive multiplayer experience into refining *March of Giants*. The publisher’s track record with tactical and competitive titles like *Rainbow Six Siege* and *For Honor* gives it a strong foundation for improving balance, progression, and community engagement. The reintegration of designers such as creative director Xavier Marquis — who previously worked on *Rainbow Six Siege* — could ensure the game benefits from the same level of depth and polish that made Ubisoft’s earlier projects successful.
Gameplay and Core Features
At its core, *March of Giants* combines battlefield-scale tactics with hero-driven combat. Players take control of towering war commanders in a 4v4 format, each commanding massive armies composed of thousands of soldiers. The goal is to destroy opposing giants while defending your own troops and territories. Every decision — from the timing of reinforcements to map control — plays a crucial role in the tide of battle.
Adding more strategic depth are “Battleworks,” deployable reinforcements that include trenches, tanks, and bunkers. These structures offer not just protection but also offensive advantages, allowing teams to control key zones and dictate the pace of conflict. This feature gives *March of Giants* a distinct edge compared to other MOBAs, merging traditional real-time strategy elements with character-based action gameplay.
Ubisoft’s History with the MOBA Genre
While *March of Giants* represents a new era for Ubisoft in the MOBA market, it isn’t the company’s first foray into competitive, team-oriented action. Titles like *For Honor* blurred the lines between fighting, action, and MOBA categories, focusing on lanes, minions, and objective captures—core components that MOBA players recognize. Ubisoft’s existing infrastructure for live-service operation, esports support, and cross-platform functionality could significantly help *March of Giants* achieve the scalability needed to compete with established giants like *League of Legends* and *Dota 2*.
However, Ubisoft faces an uphill battle in a market already saturated with competitive options. Convincing players to invest time and effort into a new MOBA requires clear differentiation and consistent post-launch content. Success will depend on continuous updates, refined matchmaking, and a strong competitive scene supported by Twitch promotions.
Developer Transitions and Creative Reunions
One of the most compelling aspects of this acquisition is the reunion of former Ubisoft veterans. Amazon Games Montreal was founded about five years ago by a team of developers who had previously shaped *Rainbow Six Siege*. Among them is Xavier Marquis, whose leadership and vision in Siege’s design profoundly influenced tactical gaming. With Ubisoft reacquiring Marquis and much of his creative team, there is potential to reignite that same innovative spirit under the publisher’s guidance.
Their collective experience in designing balanced, multiplayer-driven experiences positions *March of Giants* for strong long-term development. The studio’s familiarity with Ubisoft’s design ethos and infrastructure should ease the transition process and accelerate development cycles. Moreover, this reunion signifies Ubisoft’s continued commitment to nurturing its creative community while bringing proven leaders back into its fold.
What Players Can Expect Next
The next playtest, set for 2026, promises significant enhancements guided by player feedback. Ubisoft has suggested that the update will introduce improved foundational systems designed for better scalability and smoother onboarding for newcomers. Beyond adding new giants and competitive modes, developers aim to build a meta-structure that supports seasons, ranked play, and frequent balance adjustments, ensuring *March of Giants* evolves dynamically over time.
Players curious about how Ubisoft will approach this ambitious MOBA can expect a combination of tactical scale and personal hero combat—bridging strategy enthusiasts with action-focused players. Here’s what the gameplay balance looks like compared to leading MOBAs:
| Feature | March of Giants | Traditional MOBAs (e.g., League or Dota) |
|---|---|---|
| Match Format | 4v4 large-scale battles | 5v5 lane-based structure |
| Player Roles | Giant commanders & troop leaders | Hero-based with distinct roles |
| Map Dynamics | Real-time reinforcements and field deployment | Static lanes with limited structure building |
| Combat System | Hybrid action and strategy mechanics | Ability-focused tactical combat |
| Target Audience | Fans of large-scale warfare & real-time control | Competitive esports & casual MOBA players |
The Future of Ubisoft’s MOBA Ambition
Ubisoft’s acquisition of *March of Giants* signals a strategic shift toward the evolving multiplayer and live-service landscape. Amazon, after years of experimenting with various online models, appears content to pivot toward supporting roles in content distribution and streaming integration rather than direct game development. Meanwhile, Ubisoft is doubling down on multiplayer depth and community-driven updates, key pillars in sustaining long-term engagement.
If successful, *March of Giants* could become Ubisoft’s flagship title within the competitive arena space — a bold new entry that redefines what a MOBA can be. By merging real-time warfare with the personality-driven action of traditional heroes, the game could reshape market expectations and inspire the next generation of large-scale competitive gaming experiences.
