Spec Ops: The Line removed from online stores due to licensing issues
The game got removed from all online stores overnight
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Do you remember Spec Ops: The Line? It was released in 2012, and it has achieved cult popularity due to its incredible story.
If you were hoping to experience this game for yourself, that won’t be possible since it was abruptly removed from digital stores.
Spec Ops: The Line gets removed from online stores, here’s why
Twitter user Wario64 was the first to notice that the game had been removed from Steam without any prior notification.
Even the game’s directory, Cory Davis had to chime on this sudden removal:
While some speculate that this is due to censorship of a sensitive subject matter that the game tackles, the answer is much simpler than that.
The licenses associated with the game have expired and this is the reason for the removal. However, if you already have the game in your library, you can still play or download it without issues according to the 2K director:
Spec Ops: The Line will no longer be available on online storefronts, as several partnership licenses related to the game are expiring. Players who have purchased the game can still download and play the game uninterrupted.
So, what are these licensing issues? Many speculate that the culprit is the game’s music, but this hasn’t been confirmed.
The game is gone from Steam, GOG, Xbox Store and we assume from all other gaming platforms and it most likely won’t make a return.
While you’re here, why not check Xbox Lunar New Year sale, and get some new games at a discount?
