- Spec Ops: The Line is no longer available to purchase from digital stores.
- 2K Games confirms the game was delisted due to expired licenses.
- This is just one instance that shows a major drawback of physical games.
Digital media has largely become the primary form of game distribution amid the impending death of physical media. However, the recent situation surrounding Spec Ops: The Line highlights why many are not fond of this shift.
Spec Ops: The Line is considered one of gaming’s best narrative adventures that portray war in a realistic light. This game has been available on storefronts like Steam and Xbox Live for over a decade, but it was recently pulled from all online storefronts.
Why it matters: This is not the first time a game has been suddenly removed from digital platforms, highlighting one major drawback of digital games.
Spec Ops: The Line has been delisted from Steam https://t.co/DDxVUaOaWi
still available on Xbox Store and other PC 3rd party stores pic.twitter.com/JIW8JgitGv
— Wario64 (@Wario64) January 29, 2024
On 30th January, Steam users noticed that Spec Ops: The Line was no longer available to purchase. While disappointing, this was not shocking.
Many concluded that this happened due to license expirations, while others had hopes of a potential remaster for this underrated classic. At the time, the game was still available on other platforms.
However, Spec Ops: The Line eventually started disappearing from all storefronts, including Xbox Live. Additionally, third-party key sellers ran out of keys as fans rushed to secure the remaining few digital copies.
In an official statement from 2K Games, the publisher confirmed this removal, citing expired partnership licenses. As expected, the developers who had brought this project to life were not very pleased with this update.
Makes no sense – especially because the themes portrayed in @SpecOpsTheLine are more relevant now than ever. Why has this happened @2k @Steam ? https://t.co/BnHnxzQRPp
— Cory Davis (@Snak3Fist) January 30, 2024
Director Cory Davis questioned why this happened and stated that the removal:
“Made no sense.”
Meanwhile, fans were unhappy that 2K Games did not issue a warning before pulling the game.
Not too long ago, Marvel’s Avengers from Crystal Dynamics went through a similar scenario. However, before it was delisted, the game was discounted with an announcement for those interested in adding it to their libraries.
I can understand licenses expiring, but what kills me about this kind of thing happening is there is literally zero warning beforehand despite them knowing those agreements are coming to an end.
— Other Guy (@Taking_Night) January 31, 2024
Previously, games like Mortal Kombat 2011 were also delisted due to expired licenses. In such instances, the benefits of physical media become even more apparent.
While Spec Ops: The Line may still be available from a few third-party resellers for now, the physical PlayStation and Xbox discs will eventually become the only method to play the game without resorting to alternate tactics.
Spec Ops: The Line is among the 7th generation’s most memorable experiences. With a hard-hitting narrative that addresses various complex themes through a nuanced outlook, it is still an incredible game to play nearly 12 years later.
In the future, the same depth may be portrayed in Insomniac’s Wolverine, with the story lead from Spec Ops: The Line lending his talents to Logan’s upcoming adventure.
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