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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.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Misc, Steam
33 Likes
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly checked on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly.
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13 comments
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mylka about 4 hours ago
finally 2K games work without this nonsense
eval $(echo "%command%" | sed "s/2KLauncher\/LauncherPatcher.exe'.*/mafiadefinitiveedition.exe'/")

now rockstar!!!! and ubisoft and ea


Last edited by mylka on 26 November 2024 at 5:38 pm UTC
Kuduzkehpan about 2 hours ago
there may be Logo of developers like "ubisoft" splash under Steam for that games. İnstead of extra launchers just like Division series. once upon there was a bug which makes ubisoft connect totaly nonsense even overlay hadnt working. and need to change restart wine versions. To update or play or install a piece of software. These days are killing excitement of player just like me. But still i agree developers should make some ADS for their jobs.
Marlock 51 minutes ago
Quoting: LoudTechie
Quoting: legluondunetIf only Steam had the courage to force Ubisoft and other video game publishers not to use their own launcher when selling their games on Steam, Steam being the launcher. I don't want a launcher in a launcher in a launcher...#inception It generates potential additional technical problems and it uses resources for nothing.

I'm really happy they don't.
I'm pretty sure that would be anti-competative and monopolistic behavior.
It costs resources, but it comes from a good place.
steam doesn't prevent other stores on the same system (not even on the steam deck)

meanwhile...

all consoles (except the steam deck) are completely locked to a single store and even forbid in-game purchases from being processed outside the console manufacturer's store system

apple store, google play (and afaik even microsoft store) forbid 3rd-party stores in their store

apple and google forbids in-app purchases in apps sold through their app store from working outside their store's framework... apps doing so are booted off their store

not sure what you think will be considered monopolistic in a world where the above practices aren't


Last edited by Marlock on 26 November 2024 at 8:46 pm UTC
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