In a notable update released on 14 August 2024, Firaxis Games has removed the 2K launcher from Civilization VI. This change follows substantial criticism from players who had voiced their discontent with the additional software layer required to initiate the game.
The decision to eliminate the 2K launcher represents a significant shift in how Firaxis manages its software offerings. The launcher was originally introduced by 2K Games to streamline content distribution and potentially bypass intermediary platforms. However, it has frequently been described as an unwelcome complication in the gaming experience by PC gamers.
Details of the Update
The removal of the 2K launcher is currently effective for users of the Steam version of Civilization VI. A Firaxis representative has confirmed that this update will also be applied to the Epic Games Store (EGS) version of the game, although a specific timeline for this transition has not yet been disclosed.
Previously, the 2K launcher was utilised in Civilization VI to enable players to switch between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 versions of the game. With the launcher’s removal, players will now have the option to select their preferred DirectX version through a straightforward prompt before the game starts. This change is expected to simplify the user experience by removing the need for an additional launcher.
Impact on Future Titles
In addition to the update for Civilization VI, Firaxis has confirmed that the forthcoming Civilization VII will not feature the 2K launcher. This decision appears to be a direct response to player feedback, indicating the studio’s willingness to adapt based on consumer sentiment. While this suggests that future releases from Firaxis may also avoid the 2K launcher, the company has not explicitly confirmed this for its entire portfolio. It remains uncertain whether Firaxis plans to address the presence of the 2K launcher in other titles such as Marvel’s Midnight Suns, XCOM 2, or Civilization V.
The 2K launcher has been a contentious feature among gamers, particularly when it was retroactively added to games that initially launched without it. The controversy surrounding the launcher intensified in 2022 with its inclusion in the BioShock trilogy, which was met with significant player backlash.
The removal of the 2K launcher from Civilization VI and the confirmation that Civilization VII will not use the launcher highlight a significant shift in Firaxis’s approach to game management and player satisfaction. This move suggests that Firaxis is responding to player concerns by simplifying their gaming platforms and reducing unnecessary complications.
In related news, Civilization VII is set to be showcased at Gamescom 2024, with a gameplay reveal scheduled during the Opening Night Live event on 20 August. This upcoming reveal is expected to provide further insights into the new features and direction of the next instalment in the renowned strategy series.
As the gaming community awaits these updates, the broader implications for how developers and publishers approach launcher software and user experience will be closely monitored. The removal of the 2K launcher could set a precedent for other studios considering similar changes, reflecting an industry trend towards prioritising user convenience and streamlining gaming experiences.
In summary, Firaxis’s decision to remove the 2K launcher from Civilization VI and its commitment to not including it in Civilization VII underscore a responsiveness to player feedback and a potential shift in industry practices. As gamers eagerly anticipate the details of Civilization VII and the forthcoming Gamescom reveal, the impact of these changes on gaming software management remains to be seen.
