2K Games Transitions to a Seamless Experience
2K Games has officially retired its PC launcher, marking a significant shift in how gamers can access its titles. This move means that players can now launch all 2K games directly through Steam, eliminating the need for the cumbersome 2K Launcher.
Goodbye to the 2K Launcher
The 2K Launcher was previously a requirement for playing several popular titles, including Firaxis’ Civilization 5, the Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition, and XCOM 2. With the latest update, the launcher has been removed from all games that relied on it on both Steam and Epic platforms. Furthermore, the separate 2K Launcher Beta has also been eliminated from Civilization 5.
Direct Launching for Popular Titles
Players can now enjoy a more streamlined experience with popular titles such as Bioshock Remastered, Bioshock 2 Remastered, Bioshock Infinite, The Quarry, and Marvel’s Midnight Suns. These games will launch directly when players click ‘Play.’ However, it’s worth noting that the Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition games have slightly different launch processes depending on whether they are accessed via Steam or Epic.
Civilization 6 on Steam had already seen the removal of the launcher earlier this year, and now, Civilization 6 on Epic also allows for a direct launch into the game. In contrast, Civilization 5 will now utilize Steam Launch options for game access.
XCOM 2: A Unique Case
XCOM 2 presents a unique scenario under the new system. The 2K Launcher originally provided mod support functionality, which is still available. This update allows players to enable mods on the Steam Deck. For XCOM 2 on Epic, the game will now open using the Original XCOM 2 Mod Launcher, while XCOM: Chimera Squad offers an optional Mod launcher as well as a direct launch option. Mod support continues for both games on the Steam Deck.
Clearing Out the 2K Launcher
In a recent blog post, 2K explained the changes, noting that users would find a text file named 2kLauncherRemoved.txt in place of the 2KLauncher folder, which can be safely deleted. To ensure the launcher is completely removed, 2K recommends users close and reopen Steam, as well as reboot their PCs.
2K stated, “We’ve done the heavy lifting, but to take it all the way home, there might be one step left for you.” They emphasized the importance of completely closing Steam rather than minimizing it, and for Epic users, ensuring that the latest game update has been applied.
Your Games Are Safe
Players need not worry about their saved games or access to their titles, as long as they purchased them through Steam or Epic. However, for those who may have enjoyed the 2K Launcher, 2K confirmed there are no plans to reintroduce it, stating, “We currently have no plans to allow an optional 2K Launcher setting, but we appreciate your interest.”
Looking Ahead: Civilization 7 on the Horizon
The discontinuation of the 2K Launcher comes in anticipation of the upcoming release of Civilization 7, set for February 2025. Given the popularity of the Civilization franchise, fans can look forward to a seamless launching experience directly through Steam.
Reflections on Launcher Trends in Gaming
The removal of the 2K Launcher aligns with ongoing criticism from PC gamers regarding the necessity of publisher-specific launchers, such as those from Ubisoft and EA. While this change is a step toward a more user-friendly experience, it is unlikely to initiate a broader trend of eliminating all PC launchers, as many are essential for services like cloud saves and digital storefronts.
