Amazon Games is set to discontinue its latest title, King of Meat
, on April 9, 2025, marking an end to the game’s brief run less than a year after its October 2024 debut. The announcement comes as another setback for Amazon’s ambitious, yet often troubled, foray into the gaming industry.
The Unfulfilled Promise of King of Meat
Developed by Glowmade, King of Meat
was envisioned as a breakout success, but its journey was fraught with challenges. Despite a multi-million dollar marketing blitz that included a high-profile video on MrBeast’s YouTube channel and even custom-wrapped London buses, the game struggled to capture a significant player base. A pilot for an animated TV show was also produced, underscoring the scale of Amazon’s investment and Glowmade’s aspirations.
Ambitious Targets, Dismal Reality
Glowmade had reportedly aimed for a concurrent player count of at least 100,000. However, the reality was starkly different; according to Insider Gaming, King of Meat peaked at a mere 320 concurrent players. Engadget’s own preview of the game offered a lukewarm reception, suggesting early signs of its struggle to resonate with audiences.
Developer Fallout and Player Refunds
The game’s underperformance had immediate repercussions for its developer. December saw voluntary redundancies at Glowmade, a difficult decision that followed earlier assurances to staff. For players who invested in King of Meat, Amazon Games has confirmed that refunds will be available through their respective purchase platforms, with most expected to process automatically by April 9.
Amazon’s Troubled Gaming History Continues
The shutdown of King of Meat is not an isolated incident but rather fits a pattern within Amazon Games. The division has a history of discontinuing titles, sometimes even those with a dedicated following. Last fall, Amazon Games announced it would wind down support for New World: Aeternum
, a game that debuted in 2021 and had recently boasted nearly 50,000 concurrent players on Steam. This decision coincided with broader layoffs within the division, raising questions about Amazon’s long-term strategy and commitment to its gaming ventures.
The closure of King of Meat
serves as a potent reminder of the highly competitive and unpredictable nature of the video game industry, even for a tech giant with seemingly limitless resources.
For more details, visit our website.
Source: Link
Leave a comment