Another PC gaming launcher bites the dust and 2K joins the club with fanfare

In a move that has been widely celebrated by the gaming community, 2K has officially removed its launcher from all PC games. This decision comes after years of criticism from players who found the launcher to be cumbersome and unnecessary. The removal of the 2K Launcher is expected to streamline the gaming experience and improve performance for many titles.

The End of an Era

The 2K Launcher, which was used for launching games like Bioshock Remastered, Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition, and XCOM 2, has been a point of contention for gamers. Many players complained about the launcher causing performance issues and complicating the game-launching process. With the complete removal of the launcher, players can now launch their games directly from platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store.

Key Changes

• Direct Game Launch: Games that previously required the 2K Launcher will now launch directly from Steam or Epic Games Store. This means no more extra steps or waiting for additional software to load.
• Improved Performance: By eliminating the launcher, 2K aims to improve game performance and reduce loading times. This should result in a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
• Mod Support: For games like XCOM 2, which relied on the launcher for mod support, 2K has introduced new launch options to ensure that mods can still be used. Players can now choose between the original mod launcher and a new option that directly launches the game.

Community Response

The gaming community has responded positively to this change, with many players expressing relief and excitement. The removal of the 2K Launcher is seen as a step towards a more streamlined and user-friendly gaming experience. Players are hopeful that other publishers will follow suit and remove their own launchers, further improving the PC gaming landscape.

By simplifying the game-launching process and enhancing performance, 2K has taken a positive step towards better serving its player base. This change is a win for gamers who have long called for the removal of unnecessary launchers, and it sets a precedent for other publishers to consider similar changes.