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2K Games have officially nuked the 2K Launcher from orbit, finally removing it from their games across both Steam and Epic. One publisher at least making things smoother for us all, and even better on Steam Deck since these extra launchers tend to be quite a nuisance.

In the updated post on their official support page they noted that "As of November 18, 2024, the 2K Launcher has been removed from every game that used it on". Yesterday, November 25, a "follow-up update was sent out via Steam to make sure the 2K Launcher was fully removed".

These games now just launch completely direct into the game:

  • Bioshock Remastered
  • Bioshock 2 Remastered
  • Bioshock Infinite
  • The Quarry
  • Marvel’s Midnight Suns

However, these below have a few different launch options, but these are direct Steam launch options:

  • Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition
  • Civilization VI
  • Civilization V
  • XCOM 2
  • XCOM: Chimera Squad

2K noted the new XCOM 2 Mod Launcher has also been tested working on Steam Deck, but certain buttons don't work with the gamepad controls so you'll need to adjust Steam Input for it. XCOM: Chimera Squad also has a Mod Launcher, which they said has the same issue but additionally on Steam Deck the Play and Manage Mods buttons have some graphical issues but still function.

You may need to completely close and re-open Steam to see the new launch options for each game.

What a lovely thing to wake up to.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Misc, Steam
46 Likes
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18 comments
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pb Nov 26
Good news everyone!




Last edited by pb on 26 November 2024 at 10:06 am UTC
whizse Nov 26
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Rumor is that they sold it for a profit to Ubisoft who will now double up on launchers just to keep you safe!

Edit: Guess it was Sony, not Ubisoft that used the "safe" excuse. Ruined my own joke


Last edited by whizse on 26 November 2024 at 2:21 pm UTC
If only Steam had the courage to force Ubisoft and other video game publishers not to use their own launcher when selling their games on Steam, Steam being the launcher. I don't want a launcher in a launcher in a launcher...#inception It generates potential additional technical problems and it uses resources for nothing.


Last edited by legluondunet on 26 November 2024 at 11:41 am UTC
Eike Nov 26
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I wonder if the Sony boss still dares to play 2K games now...
Lanz Nov 26
Valve/Steam should take a slightly smaller cut for games that don't use a launcher. Ie 29% instead of 30%.
LoudTechie Nov 26
Quoting: legluondunetIf only Steam had the courage to force Ubisoft and other video game publishers not to use their own launcher when selling their games on Steam, Steam being the launcher. I don't want a launcher in a launcher in a launcher...#inception It generates potential additional technical problems and it uses resources for nothing.

I'm really happy they don't.
I'm pretty sure that would be anti-competative and monopolistic behavior.
It costs resources, but it comes from a good place.
Quoting: LoudTechie
Quoting: legluondunetIf only Steam had the courage to force Ubisoft and other video game publishers not to use their own launcher when selling their games on Steam, Steam being the launcher. I don't want a launcher in a launcher in a launcher...#inception It generates potential additional technical problems and it uses resources for nothing.

I'm really happy they don't.
I'm pretty sure that would be anti-competative and monopolistic behavior.
It costs resources, but it comes from a good place.

Steam has already what a second launcher like Ubisoft or...gives:
- DRM protection
- discussions
- achievements
- Steam workshop
- tchat
...

When you sell a game on Steam, editors should use Steam tools.
melkemind Nov 26
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It was such a pain getting Marvel Midnight Suns to launch when it first came out, so this is so needed. Aside from that launcher, it was my 2022 game of the year.
hm11 Nov 26
Thank God! not needing launchers are one reason I buy games from GOG.
Mal Nov 26
  • Supporter
Ufff... I really don't have time to play new games now. But this move should be rewarded with some purchase.
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