In a move signaling a shift in the industry, 2K Games has phased out its launcher across all titles utilizing it on both Steam and Epic platforms.
This announcement was made on a support page last month, with the removal implemented on November 18. An additional update was rolled out on Monday to ensure users no longer need to navigate through the launcher to play any 2K title on these platforms.
However, there are a few exceptions to this change. Players will still need to utilize a launcher for XCOM 2 due to its mod support, which will present four entry methods including two variants of the mod launcher, according to a special support page. Similarly, anyone wishing to access Mafia: Definitive Edition Trilogy is required to disable the launcher before playing. This update does not affect any titles in the Grand Theft Auto series, as Rockstar operates a separate launcher. Notably, earlier this year, the launcher was already eliminated for Civilization VI on Steam, and now the same applies to players on Epic.
For all other titles such as Bioshock Remastered, Bioshock 2 Remastered, Bioshock Infinite, The Quarry, and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, players can launch right into the games without any hassle. Players’ save files will remain intact, allowing for a smooth continuation from where they left off. The only action required is to restart Steam or Epic to implement the latest update.
Gamers have frequently voiced their frustration regarding the necessity of launchers for accessing their favorite titles. While launchers may provide benefits like cloud saves and automatic updates, many users find the process cumbersome—especially when it involves an additional step to launch a game, dealing with account logins, facing unforeseen bugs, or compatibility issues with devices such as the Steam Deck. Moreover, the extra resource usage of launchers can strain limited system capabilities.
Though not a widespread movement yet, some major gaming companies are reconsidering the necessity of these launchers. For instance, EA declared that Dragon Age: The Veilguard would bypass EA Play for its release on Steam, and Ubisoft is opting to launch games directly on Steam from day one instead of relying solely on Ubisoft Connect.
