Amazon Launches New Development Studio in Bucharest

Amazon has established its inaugural European game development studio, with industry expert Cristian Pana at the helm. Located in Bucharest, this new studio aims to bolster Amazon's expanding game portfolio, complementing existing development teams in Orange County, Montreal, San Diego, and Seattle. With over 20 years of experience at Ubisoft, studio head Cristian Pana brings a wealth of knowledge, having progressed from QA in 2004 to various producer roles, and ultimately becoming the managing director of Ubisoft Bucharest from 2020 to 2024. "I am excited to join Amazon Games during this pivotal time, as the team is actively working on a thrilling roadmap," Pana stated. "Having successfully built and led high-performing teams in the past, I am confident that this region of Europe boasts some of the most exceptional gaming talent, and I look forward to tapping into it." Christoph Hartmann, VP of Amazon Games, added: "The expansion of our internal development teams into Europe is a natural progression for us, as we continue to grow our brand portfolio. "Bucharest has emerged as a leading European city for game development, and we are eager to leverage the rich pool of talent available."