Summary
- The 2K launcher has been removed from Civilization 6 in the latest update, addressing player complaints.
- Firaxis confirmed that Civilization 7 will not use the 2K launcher, citing player feedback as the reason.
- The removal of the 2K launcher from Civilization 6 allows users to switch between DirectX versions more conveniently.
The 2K launcher is no longer part of Civilization 6. The unpopular feature was removed as part of the latest Civilization 6 update that rolled out in mid-August 2024.
While many PC gamers have long been complaining about publisher-specific launchers, such software is still fairly commonly encountered, largely because the prospect of selling content while cutting out intermediary storefronts is too attractive for many companies to pass up. Be that as it may, third-party launchers make starting Steam games more inconvenient, which is something that PC gamers often complain about.
Civilization 6 Drops 2K Launcher
Firaxis has recently acknowledged some such grievances by removing the 2K launcher from Civilization 6. The unpopular feature was dropped as part of the game's latest update, which rolled out this past Wednesday, August 14. While the change is currently only live for Steam users, a Firaxis representative confirmed that the studio will also be removing the 2K launcher from the Epic Games Store version of Civilization 6. However, the company hasn't yet committed to a concrete time frame for updating the EGS build of its 4X strategy.
Civilization 7 Won't Use 2K Launcher
Moving forward, the developer has confirmed that the PC version of the recently announced Civilization 7 won't have the 2K launcher. A Firaxis representative cited player feedback as the reason why the company decided to move away from this highly unpopular feature. While this turn of events suggests that the studio's future games beyond the Civilization series may also be free of the 2K launcher, the company hasn't outright confirmed that. It is also unclear whether the developer is currently looking into removing the launcher from some of the other PC titles that utilize it, such as Marvel's Midnight Suns, XCOM 2, and Civilization 5.
The 2K launcher has previously been the subject of much player pushback, especially once 2K's studios started adding it to some PC titles that didn't have it at launch. E.g., the addition of the 2K launcher to the Bioshock trilogy stirred quite a bit of controversy back in 2022.
Civilization 6 previously relied on the 2K launcher to allow users to switch between its DirectX 11 and 12 versions. Now that the extra app has been removed, players will be able to make that choice via a simple DirectX prompt that pops up before the game starts. In related news, Civilization 7 has recently been confirmed to be coming to Gamescom 2024, where it will be treated to a gameplay reveal during the Opening Night Live show on August 20.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 92%
- Released
- October 21, 2016
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Unity
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Civilization
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VI offers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.
Expansive empires
See the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.
Active Research
Boost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!
Dynamic diplomacy
As the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
