Apple MacBook Air (2025 13-inch, M4) Reaches Record Low Price in New Year Laptop Clearance Sale

While the old saying goes ‘A game in the basket is worth two in Steam Wishlist’, as we teeter into a new year it’s good to highlight a couple of the games shuffling our way. Especially when there are quite so many of them that include big stompy mechs. Some of them as big as cities. My engine oil-starved heart beats and thumps in anticipation.

I’ve tried to keep the list to games confirmed for release next year – tragically cutting The Free Shepherd, which is planned to release in 2027 – but there is one exception.

So let’s begin with the outlier that’s likely to wander tardily into 2027.

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### Metroid Prime 4: The Control Customization Journey

**Summary of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond**

Launched for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* is rapidly attracting attention from both newcomers and seasoned gamers. A lot of players are relishing the return to Samus Aran’s legendary world, although some frustrations arise concerning its control layout, especially regarding the Morph Ball function.

**Control Challenges with Morph Ball**

A key issue for gamers involves the default jump button assigned to the Morph Ball, which uses the X button instead of the more expected B button, utilized for jumping while in human form. This lack of consistency in the controls can be unsettling, particularly for those who are not well-acquainted with the series’ earlier titles where similar configurations were adopted.

**Modifying the Controls in Metroid Prime 4**

Fortunately, players can personalize their controls in *Metroid Prime 4*. While it necessitates maneuvering through various menus, the capability to remap controls is a highly appreciated feature. Here’s a guide to altering the Morph Ball jump button:

1. **Pause the Game**: Start by pausing your game to reach the settings menu.

2. **Go to Control Scheme**: Scroll down to the “Control Scheme” section and press the A button.

3. **Morph Ball Settings**: Press ZR to access the Morph Ball control options.

4. **Choose Spring Ball**: Select “Spring Ball” and hit A.

5. **Change Jump Button**: Highlight the slot for the B button and confirm the change.

6. **Address Question Marks**: If the B button slot shows question marks (???), proceed with the next steps.

7. **Advanced Mode Notice**: The game will ask you to enter advanced mode; select “Ok” to continue.

8. **Final Adjustment**: You can now replace the ??? slot (designated for the Spin Ball ability) with your desired option, effectively correcting the initial setup.

This customization method will function similarly on both the Switch and Switch 2 consoles.

**Concluding Remarks**

After reshaping the controls, numerous players have experienced a marked enhancement in their gameplay with the Morph Ball mechanics. While it’s puzzling why such a vital function is somewhat hidden within the game menus, the fact that Nintendo allows control remapping is praiseworthy. Customization can significantly boost player satisfaction, and as players tailor their controls, they can become fully engaged in the thrilling escapades of *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*.

**King of Meat: Glowmade’s Challenges and Impending Job Cuts**

Developer Glowmade is preparing for major shifts in the upcoming year, as reports reveal that the studio intends to lay off “approximately a dozen individuals” at the start of next year. This choice follows the release of their multiplayer party game, *King of Meat*, which debuted on Steam just two months ago but has struggled to achieve essential player engagement metrics. Originally targeting a concurrent player base of 100,000, the game reached a peak of only 320 players on PC, failing to sustain even 1,000 players across all platforms.

Numerous developers from Glowmade have recently turned to LinkedIn to declare their pursuit of new job prospects. Glowmade, a studio located in the U.K., launched *King of Meat* in October with support from Amazon Game Studios. Conversations regarding potential layoffs started in early December, despite prior assurances from management that the studio had “the runway to keep going.”

Amazon Game Studios first revealed in 2021 its collaboration with Glowmade to enhance its publishing initiatives, focusing on an investment in what was characterized as “exciting new IP.” At that time, Glowmade had a team consisting of 25 staff members, reflecting their aim to develop innovative gaming experiences.

Even with a substantial marketing push surrounding *King of Meat*, which included a notable appearance with the animated version of Geoff Keighley at Gamescom 2024 and a prominent video from content creator MrBeast, the game has not gained lasting traction. The promotional activities, which featured a large-scale event with many content creators and a considerable cash prize, ultimately did not convert into ongoing player interest, as evidenced by the game’s recent 24-hour peak on Steam being just 23 players.

In conclusion, Glowmade’s *King of Meat*, despite lofty ambitions and ample marketing resources, has not connected with players as anticipated. The forthcoming layoffs herald a tough time for the studio as it reevaluates its strategies and course after the game’s underwhelming launch. With the gaming community observing closely, it remains uncertain how Glowmade will steer through this challenging environment and what the future entails for its development initiatives.