Back in 2010, the real-time strategy game Ruse made waves in the gaming community, earning an impressive 84% review score. Critics praised developer Eugen Systems for their innovative approach to a genre often dominated by traditional themes. However, just five years later, the game faced an unexpected setback when publisher Ubisoft removed it from Steam due to expiring license rights.
Ruse Returns
In a surprising turn of events, Ruse has made its triumphant return to Steam, more than a decade after its removal. Eugen Systems has re-released the game, now bundled with all previously available downloadable content (DLC) and enhanced with various technical updates, including full support for the Steam Deck. The developers expressed their excitement, stating, “Sidelined due to distribution constraints, we could do nothing in the subsequent years to help the players who contacted us for assistance or tried to obtain the game. Recently, we received the opportunity to return Ruse to our catalog. This allowed us to re-release this pillar of the RTS genre, with some added extras!”
While specifics regarding the technical updates remain sparse, the re-released version is not a remaster; it retains its original 2010 identity. Nevertheless, it remains a highly regarded title within the RTS community. The game is priced at /£26.49/€30, which has sparked some debate among potential players regarding its value given its age. However, user reviews since the re-release have been overwhelmingly positive, with 197 favorable ratings compared to just two negative ones, reflecting a strong appreciation for the game.
For those who already own Ruse, the good news continues: the updates and DLC are available for free. While old saves and replays are not accessible in the new version to avoid potential crashes, players can still access them through the “Compatibility Branch” option in the game’s Steam properties.
The circumstances surrounding this re-release remain somewhat unclear, particularly as Eugen Systems now holds both the developer and publisher roles, effectively removing Ubisoft from the equation. Given Ubisoft’s recent financial challenges and restructuring efforts, it seems plausible that Eugen Systems secured the rights at a favorable price. Regardless of the details, the return of Ruse to Steam is a welcome development for fans of the genre.
