In 2014, when we launched Amazon Echo, music and entertainment quickly emerged as something customers loved most. In 2015, when we introduced the Alexa Skills Kit, developers rose to the occasion and built a rich portfolio of fun, voice-first games that entertain all kinds of interests. Customers can choose from thousands of games to play with Alexa. Now, developers are bringing voice-powered games to a whole new level.

At AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas today, we showcased the rapid evolution of games for Alexa. From games with gadgets to video games, Alexa is bringing new ways to play. Check it out for yourself in this video:

Let’s dig into the some of these experiences.

Games on Alexa Today

Built by companies big and small, voice games are loved by customers who can’t get enough. Voice game developers enable players to choose their own adventure—from helping the Princess, the Gnome, and the Wise Wizard in The Magic Door; to participating in the revolution against corporate greed in Mr. Robot: Daily Five/Nine; to solving a mystery on an international space station with Path of Discovery: Europa and Echo Show. Developers are bringing families together for some good, wholesome—and sometimes seriously competitive—trivia games like Sony’s Jeopardy! They’re also entertaining and educating children with games like Nickelodeon’s The SpongeBob Challenge, which helps develop listening and memory skills.

Alexa Games with Echo Buttons Coming Soon

In September, we introduced Alexa Gadgets, a new category of connected products and developer tools that’s truly all about building fun experiences. We also announced the first Alexa Gadget, Echo Buttons. Early next year, we’ll release the public beta of the Gadgets Skill API so you can create gaming experiences for Echo Buttons. We’ll also provide sample code you can reference to build interactive games that involve single or multiple players, first to buzz in, sequence and pattern matching, or trigger other forms of engagement with Alexa skills. Pre-order your Echo Buttons and sign up to be notified when the Gadgets Skill API is available.

Alexa is Your Companion in the Massive World of Destiny 2

You are one of humanity’s last remaining Guardians. Your home and your power has been taken from you by a brutal invader. With humanity on the brink, it’s up to you to fight back. In the world of Destiny 2, Ghost is your constant companion, serving as your scout, librarian, and mechanic; capable of cracking ancient codes, and protecting your immortality. Now with Alexa, players can bring their in-game Ghost to life inside their own home with the Official Destiny 2 Ghost skill from Activision.

Developed by Bungie, Destiny 2 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC is one of the best-selling video games of 2017. When Activision and Bungie wanted to bring their in-game AI companion, Ghost, to life to help guide new and returning players into the world of Destiny 2, they turned to Alexa. Their new skill is one of the most robust voice-assisted gaming experiences yet, and serves as an example of how Alexa can help game developers provide entirely new ways to play. Whether you want to help gamers coordinate with their clan, manage their inventory, or take on new challenges, just ask Alexa.

Activision’s Official Destiny 2 Ghost skill features the voice of actor Nolan North with more than 1,000 custom recorded lines generating millions of different potential responses. With this skill, players can:

• Connect with friends: Join a clan, find friends, call on your clan, track their clan’s progress and achievements
• Explore the massive world of Destiny 2: Learn more about the backstory and characters, get help with what to do next
• Gear up: Easily manage their character’s inventory, get their favorite gear with a simple voice request

Alexa helps all types of Destiny 2 gamers, from new to advanced. Players can call on their clan, get their clan report, learn more about the world of Destiny 2, or figure out what to do next just by asking Alexa—even without having the game turned on.

Activision is also releasing a Limited Edition Destiny 2 Ghost Wi-Fi-enabled speaker, featuring LED lights that mimic the Ghost’s in-game behavior. This connected device is built with AWS IoT.

For developers interested in learning how Alexa can serve as a voice companion to video games, or how connected IoT devices can work with Alexa and games—check it out for yourself:

• Get Destiny 2 and take advantage of the Deal of the Day on November 29
• Enable the Official Destiny 2 Ghost skill
• Pre-order the limited-edition Destiny 2 Ghost Wi-Fi-enabled speaker

Get Started Now

Now’s the time to get in the game. Learn more and start building today.

Build a New Skill, Earn Developer Perks

Bring your big idea to life with Alexa and earn perks through our tiered rewards system. US developers, publish a skill before the end of the year, and receive an Alexa developer hoodie. If 100 customers use your skill in its first 30 days in the Alexa Skills Store, you can also apply to receive a free Echo Dot to help you make Alexa even smarter. If you need inspiration, consider creating a holiday-themed skill to get into the holiday spirit. If you're not in the US, check out our promotions in the UK, Germany, and India. Learn more about our promotion and start building today.