2K Games has pulled its launcher from all its PC video games as a part of a “full sundown” of the software program, which suggests PC players can now launch all 2K video games straight in Steam.
The 2K Launcher was compelled 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 very 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 straight 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 entering into the video games.
Civilization 6 on Steam had the launcher eliminated earlier this 12 months, so no further steps are wanted. However for Civilization 6 for Epic, it now straight 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 mentioned, as the launcher included Mod support functionality. Of observe, these modifications 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 also has the Mod launcher as optional, with a secondary choice accessible to straight launch the sport. Mods are additionally accessible on Steam Deck for Chimera Squad.
In a blog post, 2K mentioned it had changed the 2KLauncher folder with a textual content file known as 2kLauncherRemoved.txt, which could be safely deleted. However there could also be extra so that you can do — 2K mentioned to make certain the launcher is gone for good, shut and reopen Steam then reboot your PC.
“We have finished the heavy lifting, however to take all of it the best way house there is perhaps one step left for you,” 2K defined. “Very first thing is to strive closing and reopening Steam – which means fully closing and never simply utilizing the X to attenuate the platform. Rebooting your PC is an efficient method to make certain it occurred. For Epic, simply ensure you’ve downloaded the newest replace for the sport.”
Saved video games shouldn’t be impacted, and also you gained’t lose entry to any of your video games, so long as to procure them on Steam or Epic. And, for these (most likely only a few!) PC players who miss the 2K Launcher for some motive and need to proceed utilizing it, sadly it’s not coming again. “We at the moment don’t have any plans to permit an non-compulsory 2K Launcher setting, however we admire your curiosity,” 2K mentioned.
The finish of the 2K Launcher comes forward of the discharge of Civilization 7 in February 2025. Civilization is often one of the well-liked PC video games round, so followers can relaxation assured they’ll be capable to launch it straight in Steam.
PC players have lengthy criticized writer launchers, together with Ubisoft and EA’s, that power themselves upon gamers earlier than they’ll get into the sport. It appears unlikely the top of the 2K Launcher will spark a mass removing 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 can attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.