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Spec Ops: The Line has been delisted due to licensing issues. Wario64, a prominent video game news source, was the first to raise concerns on social media about the game's sudden removal from Steam and other PC platforms.

A spokesperson from 2K has confirmed that the removal of Spec Ops: The Line from online stores is permanent. This decision was made following the expiration of various undisclosed "partnership licenses."

The representative also assured that players who have already purchased the game can still download and enjoy it without any interruptions.

Spec Ops is a collection of tactical shooter video games. The initial two games were created by Zombie Studios, with Runecraft providing assistance in the development of the subsequent three games. The sixth game, released in 2002, was developed by Big Grub.

As of now, the game is still available for purchase on the Xbox Store. However, those who wish to preserve a copy of this thought-provoking shooter from 2012 will either have to buy it from there or search for a used physical copy in the secondary market.

Earlier this week, Spec Ops: The Line was unexpectedly removed from several PC retailers, including Steam and Fanatical.

Valve's storefront now displays the shooter as "no longer available," as first noticed by Wario64. As of now, neither 2K nor developer Yager have provided any explanation for this sudden removal.

It is not uncommon for games to be delisted periodically. However, what makes the removal of Spec Ops so peculiar is that it can still be purchased from certain third-party PC stores, as well as the Xbox Store.

If it continues to be delisted from more PC stores, the Xbox Store will be the sole option to acquire the game. Unlike other mid-tier titles from the 2010s, Spec Ops has never received a modern remaster or remake, and there has been no indication from 2K that such a treatment is in the works.

Additionally, this emphasizes the importance of preservation for the industry, especially considering the gradual removal of games from the early 2010s.

Spec Ops: The Line was launched in 2012 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Although the game received critical acclaim, primarily due to its compelling narrative, it did not perform well commercially, ultimately leading to the discontinuation of the military shooter series.

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