Owners can “still download and play”
Third-person shooterSpec Ops: The Linehas been removed from sale from Steam due to expiring “partnership licenses”, according to a representative for 2K Games.
Before the official reasoning was given, speculation surrounding the delisting had focused on the game’s soundtrack and the possibility that music license have expired. The soundtrack features songs by Jimi Hendrix, Alice In Chains, and Björk, among others.
At the time of writing, Spec Ops remains available fromGOGandHumble, but given the mention of “online storefronts” rather than simply Steam in the statement, I suspect it won’t last on either store for long.
“Makes no sense - especially because the themes portrayed in @SpecOpsTheLine are more relevant now than ever. Why has this happened @2k @Steam?” tweeted game director Cory Davisearlier this morning.
It is not uncommon for games to disappear from sale, particularly for licensing issues. If I was to grieve the loss of a sun-and-sand odyssey into the heart of of man, I’d shed tears for Outrun 2006: Coast 2 Coast before Spec Ops: The Line, but your heart may be full of different stuff than mine.
This story has been updated to include the statement from 2K Games.
