Spec Ops: The Line from YAGER / 2K has been unexpectedly removed from Steam, as the store page is now delisted so it won't show up in searches and it can no longer be purchased.
It's not clear why it has been done, and no announcement has been made on it anywhere that I can see officially. So we're left to speculate for now. When this usually happens it's often some rights that expired that they don't wish to relicense or update the game to remove it like music, which Spec Ops: The Line had a fair few big names in so that's quite likely. Update 31/01/24: as I suspected, it's some licenses not getting renewed as per the statement sent to Kotaku notes - "Spec Ops: The Line will no longer be available on online storefronts, as several partnership licenses related to the game are expiring".
While the gameplay wasn't exactly all that special, but what many praised it for was the narrative as the developer tried to make it more meaningful than a lot of other shooters. For many it left a lasting impression so it's a shame if it will eventually be removed from other stores too.
For now at least you can still buy it from:
GOG (80% off until February 6th) - now delisted as of 31/01/24, 16:30 UTC
Humble Store (keys will likely run out) - Humble have now removed their offer as of 01/02/24.
pleasereadthemanual Jan 30
I have no idea when I acquired the game on Steam. It must have been through a Humble Choice or something...
QuoteFor many it left a lasting impressionIMO one of the most overlooked games of its generation. Gameplay wise is just another cover shooter of the PS3/360 days, but it's masterfully written with morality and ethics of war right in the middle. The cherry on top is the soundtrack, a banger after another, and as you said, probably the reason of this delisting. It's sad seeing great games disappear.
Quoting: pleasereadthemanualI have no idea when I acquired the game on Steam. It must have been through a Humble Choice or something...It was once a freebie, actually. On Steam, no less.
hardpenguin Jan 30
Quoting: hardpenguinIt was one of the first high profile Linux native ports by Feral that I purchased. Such a shame.Was actually VP :P
Turkeysteaks Jan 30
Might spin it back up, I imagine my XTX will be able to work a little harder at it haha.
hardpenguin Jan 30
Quoting: Liam DaweWHAT!!! How could I make such a mistakeQuoting: hardpenguinIt was one of the first high profile Linux native ports by Feral that I purchased. Such a shame.Was actually VP :P
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