2K Games Ditches Its PC Launcher: Gamers Rejoice!

Great news, gamers! 2K Games has officially removed its PC launcher. Especially helpful for players without launching experience (i.e., a separate launcher). It created an extra step to play games. Direct [Publishing] of 2K games to Steam or Epic Games [is] also [currently] available as well, i.e. This change simplifies gaming.

What Was the 2K Launcher?

The 2K Launcher was separate software. It made you launch it before playing 2K games on PC. Games like BioShock Remastered, Civilization VI, Mafia, and XCOM 2 needed it. Many players found it irritating. It added complexity. It wasn't a storefront like Steam or Epic. It was just a gatekeeper.

Why Was It So Annoying?

Gamers complained about extra launchers. Ubisoft and EA also use them. These launchers need separate accounts. They can also slow down performance. The 2K Launcher was no different. Players said it was slow and bothersome. Sometimes, it blocked game access.

The Removal Process

2K Games announced the "complete sunset" of the 2K Launcher. The removal began on November 18, 2024. By November 25, 2024, it was fully removed from Steam. An update finished the removal. The "2K Launcher Beta" for Civilization V was also removed. Now, when you launch a 2K game, it starts right away.

What Happens Now?

Images stored in Inside the 2K Launcher files could still be on your hard drive. You might see a folder replaced with "2kLauncherRemoved.txt". You can delete it safely. If you still see the launcher, restart Steam. This should fix the problem.

Impact on Games

For most games, the removal is smooth. XCOM 2 had some mod support linked to the launcher. Now, you can pick between two mod launchers. The "original" launcher warns about incompatible mods. The "new" launcher does not. XCOM: Chimera Squad has one mod launcher option.

A Step in the Right Direction

Removing the 2K Launcher is positive. It simplifies gaming. It removes an extra step. It shows 2K Games listens to fans. Hopefully, other companies will do the same. Less launcher bloat is always good.

Common Questions Answered

• Will I lose my save files? No, your saved games are safe.
• What if I bypassed the launcher before? Your game will run as before.
• Will I lose access to my games? No, you still have access on Steam or Epic.
• Can I still use the 2K Launcher? No, there are no plans for optional use.

The Bigger Picture

This move addresses a growing problem. Many gamers dislike multiple launchers. Each launcher uses space and resources. They also need different logins. This can be annoying. The trend of forcing third-party launchers has been criticized. Some companies need accounts even for single-player games. This raises privacy issues.

Benefits for Players

The main benefit is convenience. You launch games directly now. No more waiting for a launcher. This can also improve performance. The 2K Launcher caused problems. Removing it can make gameplay smoother. It also cleans up your system. Less extra software is good.

Examples of 2K Games

2K Games has many popular games. These include **Action**, **Adventure**, and **RPG** titles. They also have **Sports** games like NBA 2K. The publisher offers **Strategy**, **Simulation**, **Racing**, **Casual**, and **Multiplayer** games. Removing the launcher helps players across these types of games.

Final Thoughts

Removing the 2K Launcher is a good change. It simplifies PC gaming. It shows 2K Games listens. That the release of it may have been premature notwithstanding, learning is fundamental. This makes 2K games more fun. Now you can play your games without extra steps. Enjoy a smoother experience.

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