In a significant shift for PC gamers, 2K Games has officially phased out its launcher from all titles available on Epic Games Store and Steam. This decision streamlines the gaming experience for players, allowing them to dive directly into beloved franchises such as Bioshock, Civilization, and XCOM without the cumbersome requirement of an additional launcher.
Streamlined Gaming Experience
Previously, players were often met with the inconvenience of logging into the 2K launcher, even after purchasing games through established platforms. This change means that titles like Bioshock Remastered, The Quarry, and the Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition can now be accessed seamlessly. The removal of the launcher eliminates unnecessary login steps, enhancing the overall user experience.
Moreover, this transition does not affect save files, ensuring that players can continue their adventures without interruption. Notably, while some XCOM titles will now feature a Mod launcher for optional content, the core gameplay remains unaffected by the absence of the 2K launcher.
2K Games has confirmed that there are no plans to reinstate the launcher, a decision that many in the gaming community are likely to welcome. The move reflects a growing trend among publishers to simplify access to their games, reducing the reliance on additional software that often bogs down system performance.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming release of Civilization VII in February 2025, players can look forward to engaging with the game without the barriers previously imposed by the launcher. This development raises hopes that other publishers, such as Ubisoft and EA, may soon follow suit, further enhancing the gaming landscape.