2K Launcher is finally no more - that's at least one publisher making things better for gamers

2K Games have officially nuked the 2K Launcher from orbit, finally removing it from their games across both Steam and Epic. One publisher at least making things smoother for us all, and even better on Steam Deck since these extra launchers tend to be quite a nuisance.

In the updated post on their official support page they noted that "As of November 18, 2024, the 2K Launcher has been removed from every game that used it on". Yesterday, November 25, a "follow-up update was sent out via Steam to make sure the 2K Launcher was fully removed".

These games now just launch completely direct into the game:

• Bioshock Remastered
• Bioshock 2 Remastered
• Bioshock Infinite
• The Quarry
• Marvel’s Midnight Suns

However, these below have a few different launch options, but these are direct Steam launch options:

• Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition
• Civilization VI
• Civilization V
• XCOM 2
• XCOM: Chimera Squad

2K noted the new XCOM 2 Mod Launcher has also been tested working on Steam Deck, but certain buttons don't work with the gamepad controls so you'll need to adjust Steam Input for it. XCOM: Chimera Squad also has a Mod Launcher, which they said has the same issue but additionally on Steam Deck the Play and Manage Mods buttons have some graphical issues but still function.

You may need to completely close and re-open Steam to see the new launch options for each game.

What a lovely thing to wake up to.