Amazon just released a new, free video game engine for developers called Lumberyard. Although it seems like an odd match-up -- an online retailer launching a game engine -- Lumberyard is a fully-fledged 3D engine capable of making triple-A-quality games for PC, Xbox One and Playstation 4.
The engine itself is based on CryTek’s CryEngine, which has been used to make games like Crysis, Far Cry and Evolve. Lumberyard can be outfitted with the Legacy Game Sample, which “contains all the code for a first-person shooter game, including complex animated characters, vehicles and game AI."
Developers who work with Lumberyard, which is in a usable beta, can integrate their games with Amazon Web Services for online play, which is the only part of the engine that costs money. Amazon doesn’t even ask for royalties.
Paired with AWS is Amazon’s GameLift, which allows you to create and operate multiplayer sessions based in AWS’ cloud infrastructure.
There are also asset packages you can download to use in game creation, including woodland assets with trees and vegetation, and a 1950s beach city-themed package with characters and indoor structures.
Amazon Games Vice President Mike Frazzini told Gamasutra that Amazon licensed CryEngine to build off of, and the two engines will continue to diverge as they develop. Currently, CryEngine is available for $9.90 per month.
Lumberyard also integrates Twitch video streaming tools, which has boomed in popularity over the last few years, immediately establishing Amazon as a strong contender for game developers.
For those who want to try it out, Lumberyard is available at Amazon as a 10 GB download, with the asset packages between 1.5 and 4.8 GB.