2K Games: The Closure of Its PC Games Launcher

2K Games, a renowned publisher in the gaming industry, has made a significant move by officially shutting down its PC games launcher. This decision has far-reaching implications for both the publisher and its players. In a blog post on Tuesday, 2K announced the removal of the launcher from all games on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Additionally, the "2K Launcher Beta" has also been removed from Sid Meier's Civilization V.

2K's PC Launcher Closure: Impact on Gaming

Reasons for Launcher Closure

PC launchers are often used by publishers as a means of launching their games. However, many users have expressed dissatisfaction with them due to the extra issues they can cause. 2K details these potential issues in its blog post. "We've done the heavy lifting, but to take it all the way home there might be one step left for you," it says. "First thing is to try closing and reopening Steam – that means completely closing and not just using the X to minimize the platform. Rebooting your PC is a good way to be sure it happened. For Epic, just make sure you've downloaded the most recent update for the game."

Games like Bioshock Remastered, Bioshock 2 Remastered, Bioshock Infinite, The Quarry, and Marvel's Midnight Suns will now launch directly into the game as soon as users click Play. This provides a seamless gaming experience for players. However, other titles, such as Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition and XCOM 2, have special case issues that require the launcher to enable mod support. This highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for careful consideration.

The removal of the launcher is a major change for 2K and its players. It raises questions about the future of PC gaming and the role of launchers in the industry. While some players may welcome the simplicity of direct game launches, others may miss the convenience and features offered by launchers. Only time will tell how this decision will impact the gaming community and 2K's future in the PC gaming market.