Key Takeaways
- 2K Games has removed its launcher from all games on Epic and Steam, simplifying the launch process for players.
- The update affects game launches in different ways, but players can now easily launch games directly on Steam and Epic.
- Games like XCOM 2 will still retain their original mod launcher for players who enjoy community content.
Players have a reason to celebrate as 2K Games has announced a move it calls “Complete Sunset,” removing its launcher from all games on Epic and Steam. Additionally, 2K Games has also pulled the 2K Launcher Beta from Sid Meier’s Civilization 5. This removal means players no longer need to take an extra step to play games on Steam or Epic, as they can now launch them directly from the platforms.
Publisher-specific launchers have frustrated players for various reasons, particularly due to their impact on game performance and unnecessary integration. These launchers can make playing games on platforms like Steam more complicated, often leading players to question the need for their existence. Many consider the launcher to add little value, while sometimes introducing compatibility issues or even preventing games from launching. However, following 2K Games’ announcement, players now have a reason to celebrate.
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On November 18, the company announced what it’s calling the “Complete Sunset,” revealing that the 2K Launcher will no longer be needed for any of its supported games. Then, in a follow-up update announced in a blog post, 2K Games confirmed the removal of the launcher by replacing its folder with a text file to confirm the change. Players can delete this file and clean up any leftover launcher-related files by following a guide that 2K has made available. Players who enjoyed the removal of the 2K launcher from Civilization 6 now have an even better reason to be happy.
2K Games Confirms Launcher Removal from Epic and Steam
The update affects each game a little differently, but the goal is to make things easier for everyone. For example, games like BioShock remastered, BioShock 2 remastered, BioShock Infinite, The Quarry, and Marvel’s Midnight Suns will now all launch directly into the game. Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition will also go straight into gameplay, but it will require players to follow some extra steps detailed in 2K Games’ blog post to ensure it works properly. For games like XCOM 2, it still keeps its original mod launcher for those who enjoy using community content. Players of Sid Meier’s Civilization 5 on Steam will also see that the game now uses its own launch options, like choosing between DirectX 9 or DirectX 10/11.
For those who still find remnants of the launcher’s files on their computers, the company has provided guides to help users completely clean their systems of old files. In response to user concerns about the 2K Launcher when playing Steam games, the developers provided clarification in their FAQ. If the 2K Launcher still shows up after starting a game, simply restarting Steam should fix the issue, as the changes to launch options only take effect after a restart. For any persistent issues, the developer encouraged players to submit a support ticket.
For those who’ve spent years finding ways around the launcher, this update feels like a positive change. It simplifies the user experience and lets fans focus more on gameplay and less on technical problems.
2K Games
- Date Founded
- January 25, 2005
- Headquarters
- Novato, California, United States