2K Video games has pulled its launcher from all its PC video games as a part of a “full sundown” of the software program, which implies PC players can now launch all 2K video games instantly in Steam.
The 2K Launcher was pressured upon gamers of the corporate’s PC video games, together with Firaxis’ Civilization 5, Mafia Trilogy Definitive Version, and XCOM 2. Following an replace this month, the 2K Launcher is faraway from each sport that used it on Epic and Steam. 2K additionally eliminated the 2K Launcher Beta, a totally separate launcher, from Civilization 5.
This implies Bioshock Remastered, Bioshock 2 Remastered, Bioshock Infinite, The Quarry, and Marvel’s Midnight Suns will now all launch instantly into the sport as quickly as you click on Play. The Mafia Trilogy Definitive Version video games on Steam and the Mafia Trilogy Definitive Version video games on Epic every have barely totally different paths to stepping into the video games.
Civilization 6 on Steam had the launcher eliminated earlier this yr, so no further steps are wanted. However for Civilization 6 for Epic, it now instantly opens into the sport when launched from Epic. Civilization 5, in the meantime, now makes use of the Steam Launch choices to open the sport.
XCOM 2 for Steam is a particular case, 2K stated, because the launcher included Mod help performance. Of word, these adjustments will allow you to allow mods on the Steam Deck. XCOM 2 on Epic will now open the Unique XCOM 2 Mod Launcher. XCOM: Chimera Squad additionally has the Mod launcher as non-compulsory, with a secondary choice obtainable to instantly launch the sport. Mods are additionally obtainable on Steam Deck for Chimera Squad.
In a weblog put up, 2K stated it had changed the 2KLauncher folder with a textual content file referred to as 2kLauncherRemoved.txt, which may be safely deleted. However there could also be extra so that you can do — 2K stated to make sure the launcher is gone for good, shut and reopen Steam then reboot your PC.
“We have executed the heavy lifting, however to take all of it the way in which house there may be one step left for you,” 2K defined. “Very first thing is to strive closing and reopening Steam – meaning fully closing and never simply utilizing the X to reduce the platform. Rebooting your PC is an effective means to make sure it occurred. For Epic, simply be sure to’ve downloaded the latest replace for the sport.”
Saved video games shouldn’t be impacted, and also you received’t lose entry to any of your video games, so long as you obtain them on Steam or Epic. And, for these (most likely only a few!) PC players who miss the 2K Launcher for some cause and wish to proceed utilizing it, sadly it’s not coming again. “We at present don’t have any plans to permit an non-compulsory 2K Launcher setting, however we recognize your curiosity,” 2K stated.
The top of the 2K Launcher comes forward of the discharge of Civilization 7 in February 2025. Civilization is often one of the crucial widespread PC video games round, so followers can relaxation assured they’ll be capable of launch it instantly in Steam.
PC players have lengthy criticized writer launchers, together with Ubisoft and EA’s, that pressure themselves upon gamers earlier than they will get into the sport. It appears unlikely the top of the 2K Launcher will spark a mass elimination of PC launchers, nevertheless, given they’re usually used for cloud saves or storefronts.
Wesley is the UK Information Editor for IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You’ll be able to attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
