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Amazon Games ends King of Meat after dismal performance

Engadget •
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AmazonGames announced *King of Meat* will shut down April 9, less than a year after its October 2025 debut. The game, developed by Glowmade, failed to meet expectations, peaking at 320 concurrent players instead of the targeted 100,000. Despite a multi-million dollar marketing push—including a MrBeast YouTube ad and custom London buses—the title struggled to resonate with audiences. Engadget’s preview called it a “monstrous mash-up” of mechanics but noted its lack of polish.

Glowmade faced voluntary redundancies in December after earlier promises of stability. Players who purchased the game can request refunds through their platforms, with automatic processing expected by April 9. The closure mirrors Amazon’s pattern of shuttering underperforming titles, like *New World: Aeternum*, which saw 50,000 concurrent players before its 2023 shutdown. Amazon’s decision highlights the risks of overambitious projects in a competitive market.

The game’s failure underscores challenges in balancing innovation with player engagement. Glowmade’s creative pilot for an animated series and unique co-op platformer design couldn’t offset fundamental flaws. While the $10 million budget (estimated) and high-profile partnerships generated buzz, they couldn’t compensate for a lack of sustained appeal. This serves as a cautionary tale for indie developers and publishers alike.

King of Meat’s demise reflects broader industry struggles with live-service games. Its short lifespan—just six months—contrasts with titles that thrive through consistent updates. For Amazon, the move signals a reevaluation of its gaming strategy, prioritizing profitability over experimental ventures.