On X, Cory Davis, the sport’s designer and director, was additionally out of the loop asking the sport’s writer 2K why this occurred. “Is unnecessary,” Davis wrote. “Particularly as a result of the themes portrayed in [Spec Ops: The Line] are extra related now than ever.”
In an e-mail to The Verge, 2K communications director Joe DiMiero supplied the explanation for the sport’s removing:
Spec Ops: The Line will now not be obtainable on on-line storefronts, as a number of partnership licenses associated to the sport are expiring. Gamers who’ve bought the sport can nonetheless obtain and play the sport uninterrupted. 2K want to thank our neighborhood of gamers who’ve supported the sport, and we look ahead to bringing you extra choices from our label all through this 12 months and past.
The licenses referenced seemingly should do with the sport’s music. Throughout the The Line’s menu display screen, Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” could be heard whereas the sport’s soundtrack contains Martha and The Vandellas’ “Nowhere to Run.”
As of publication, Spec Ops: The Line continues to be obtainable on the Xbox storefront and GOG, nevertheless it’s not identified when or if the sport will likely be pulled from there, too.