Spec Ops: The Line removed from online stores due to licensing issues

The game got removed from all online stores overnight

2 min. read

Published onFebruary 1, 2024

published onFebruary 1, 2024

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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:

Makes no sense – especially because the themes portrayed in@SpecOpsTheLineare more relevant now than ever. Why has this happened@2k@Steam?https://t.co/BnHnxzQRPp

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 checkXbox Lunar New Year sale, and get some new games at a discount?

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Spec Ops: The Line removed from online stores due to licensing issues#

Spec Ops: The Line gets removed from online stores, here’s why#

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Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

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Spec Ops: The Line removed from online stores due to licensing issues

Spec Ops: The Line gets removed from online stores, here’s why