Update: We have since learned Spec Ops: The Line will be delisted from *all* platforms, although you can continue playing it if already purchased.
Quote From Stephen Totilo NEW: Spec Ops to be delisted entirely from online gaming stores (not just Steam) A 2K rep tells me: "Spec Ops: The Line will no longer be available on online storefronts, as several partnership licenses related to the game are expiring." 1/2
Quote From Stephen Totilo "Players who have purchased the game can still download and play the game uninterrupted. 2K would like to thank our community of players who have supported the game, and we look forward to bringing you more offerings from our label throughout this year and beyond." 2/2
The original article is as follows.
Spec Ops: The Line, 2012's military shooter that offers a grim commentary on the realities of modern-day war, has suddenly been delisted from Steam. If you want to get the game on PC, your best bet is the GOG version, which happens to be 80% off at the moment. Depending on the reasons for the Steam delisting, this version might not last long either.
Speaking of, no reason for the delisting was given, with the two main theories being the expiration of licensed music (the game featured songs from Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, The Black Angles, and more), or the possibility of a remaster (the game is published by 2K, who delisted a number of GTA games when their remasters became a thing). Even Cory Davis, the game's creative director, is confused by this, as can be seen from the tweed below.
Quote From Cory Davis Makes no sense - especially because the themes portrayed in
@SpecOpsTheLine are more relevant now than ever. Why has this happened @2k @Steam?
Spec Ops: The Line features a trio of US army soldiers on a mission to Dubai, a city that was literally buried by a sandstorm. The player takes control of Captain Martin Walker as he tries to save the life of his former superior, John Konrad. The game plays like a typical military shooter from the 2010s, but the game's story is far more critical of both the genre and the military industry than it initially appears. If you have the chance, get the game from GOG (or on Xbox via backwards compatibility), it is worth your time.
Have you played Spec Ops: The Line before? What did you think of the game? Let us know in the comments below!
Comments
Another reason why gog is better for consumers
If the issue is with licensed music, there's a good chance it'll be removed from there as well. It might've not happened yet because of some stipulation from GOG that you need to give them advance notice of the removal (but that's just me speculating)