Key Highlights:
- Civilization 6 removes unpopular 2K launcher.
- Civilization 7 confirmed to launch without 2K launcher.
- PC gamers celebrate the decision, citing improved user experience.
Firaxis Waves Goodbye to the 2K Launcher
In a move that’s music to the ears of PC strategy gamers everywhere, Firaxis Games has announced the removal of the 2K launcher from Civilization 6, with plans to extend this change to future titles in the series.
This decision, revealed in mid-August 2024, has been met with widespread approval from the gaming community, who have long bemoaned the inconvenience of publisher-specific launchers.
The 2K launcher, which previously served as a gateway to Civilization 6, has been a thorn in the side of many players.
Its primary function was to allow users to switch between DirectX 11 and 12 versions of the strategy game.
However, this feature will now be replaced by a simple DirectX prompt that appears before the game starts, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for an additional application.
Sarah Engel, community manager at Firaxis Games, shared the news on social media, stating:
“Earlier today, the 2K launcher has been removed from Civ 6 on Steam, with plans to also remove it on Epic in the near future.”
This update is currently live for Steam users, with Epic Games Store users set to receive the change in the coming weeks.
But the good news doesn’t stop there. Engel went on to confirm that the highly anticipated Civilization 7 will launch without the 2K launcher, a decision that has been hailed as a godsend by PC gamers.
This move suggests that Firaxis is listening closely to player feedback and prioritising user experience.
The removal of this annoying feature is part of a broader conversation in the gaming industry about the proliferation of publisher-specific launchers.
While these platforms often appeal to companies as a way to sell content directly to consumers, they’ve been a source of frustration for many gamers.
The need to navigate multiple launchers can make starting games more cumbersome, especially when players are already using platforms like Steam.
Firaxis’ decision to move away from the 2K launcher could potentially influence other developers and publishers.
The positive reception from the gaming community might encourage other companies to reassess their use of similar platforms, particularly for titles that are already available on established storefronts like Steam or the EGS.
It’s worth noting that the 2K launcher has been a contentious issue beyond the Civilization series. Its addition to other titles, such as the Bioshock trilogy in 2022, sparked significant controversy among players.
While Firaxis hasn’t confirmed whether they plan to remove the launcher from their other PC titles like 2022’s Marvel’s Midnight Suns or 2016’s XCOM 2, this recent decision opens the door to that possibility.
Looking Ahead: Civilization 7 at Gamescom
Decisions like this highlight the importance of user experience in maintaining player satisfaction. By removing an unpopular feature and committing to a launcher-free future for Civ 7, Firaxis is demonstrating a commendable responsiveness to its player base.
Looking ahead, fans of the Civilization series have more to be excited about. Civilization 7 is set to make an appearance at Gamescom 2024, with a gameplay reveal scheduled for the Opening Night Live show on August 20th.
This event will give players their first real look at the next instalment in this beloved strategy franchise, and the absence of the 2K launcher is sure to be a talking point among attendees.
In the grand scheme of things, the removal of a launcher might seem like a small change. Although, for PC users who value streamlined experiences and direct access to their games, it’s a significant step in the right direction.