Recently, players noticed that Spec Ops: The Line has been delisted to purchase from Steam. Ever since it was removed, many players have worried about the game being permanently delisted from Steam and PC storefronts. This includes the game designer and director, Cory Davis who asked the publisher 2K and Steam on X (Twitter), “Makes no sense. Especially because the themes portrayed in @SpecOpsTheLine are more relevant now than ever. Why has this happened?”
Sadly, that happens to be the case as confirmed by 2K, the publishers of The Line. This iconic title might be permanently delisted from Steam and eventually other platforms in the future. So, here’s everything you need to know about it.
Why Spec Ops: The Line is Permanently Delisted From Steam?
Spec Ops: The Line has been delisted and removed from Steam due to multiple licenses related to the game expiring. For more clarity, a public statement was issued by a 2k rep to Stephen Totilo, formerly Axios’ game reporter.
“Spec Ops: The Line will no longer be available on online storefronts, as several partnership licenses related to the game are expiring. Players who have purchased the game can still download and play the game uninterrupted. 2K would like to thank our community of players who have supported the game, and we look forward to bringing you more offerings from our label throughout this year and beyond.”
According to the Verge, the expiring licenses seem to be due to the game’s music and soundtrack. You can hear Jimi Hendrix’s version of “The Star Spangled Banner” and the game’s score includes Martha Reeves and The Vandellas’ “Nowhere to Run“.
The players that have purchased the game can download and install the game on their platforms. The silver lining over here is that the iconic game hasn’t been removed from all the platforms.
Currently, the game is available to purchase on the Xbox store, GOG, and other PC storefronts. But there’s no telling if Spec Ops: The Line would be delisted from all the storefronts or not.
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