2K Games has quietly retired its PC game launcher, making it easier for players to access their favourite titles without the hassle of extra software.
Starting November 18, the publisher began removing its proprietary launcher from games like Bioshock Remastered, Borderlands, Civilization, and Marvel’s Midnight Suns.
This change allows players to launch games directly through Steam, simplifying the experience. No more account linking or updating the launcher—just click “Play” and dive right in.
Some games, like the Mafia Trilogy, may require extra steps, but 2K has updated support pages with clear instructions.
By November 25, an update fully removed the launcher files from Steam installations, leaving behind a simple text file named “2kLauncherRemoved.txt,” which can also be deleted.
For the few fans of the 2K launcher, the publisher confirmed it has no plans to support the software further, stating, “We appreciate your interest.”
This move aligns with a growing trend among publishers to remove restrictive launchers, streamlining access for gamers everywhere.