‘PORTAL’ co-creator KIM SWIFT joins Amazon Game Studios

Amazon Game Studios. There’s a good chance I never take them seriously because I’m a fat headed gaming snob. However, if I ever do, it’s probably going to be because of talent like Portal co-creator Kim Swift. Oh, and Clint Hocking.

Portal Co-Creator Kim Swift and Far Cry 2 Lead Designer Clint Hocking have joined Amazon Game Studios. Hocking made the switch in February, according to his LinkedIn profile, following his departure from Valve near the end of 2013.

Swift was previously creative director of Airight Games, which launched Soul Fjordexclusively on Ouya in January. Likewise, her profile on LinkedIn now notes her new position at Amazon as Senior Designer.

The news follows Amazon’s announcement of its Fire TV media streaming device, which is is on sale today for $99. The Fire TV’s controller can be purchased separately for $40, and while games on the Android-based machine can support third-party Bluetooth controllers, gaming was deemed a “bonus” feature of the device. Amazon founded the in-house development studio in August 2012 and purchased Killer Instinct developer Double Helix in February. [Joystiq]