Why Did Rocket League Get Removed from Steam?
Rocket League, the popular physics-based sports game developed and published by Psyonix, was removed from Steam in September 2020. The game was initially released on Steam in 2015 and quickly gained a massive following. However, in 2020, Psyonix announced that they would be moving the game to the Epic Games Store, a digital distribution platform owned by Epic Games, the same company behind Fortnite.
Why Did Rocket League Get Removed from Steam?
The main reason for Rocket League’s removal from Steam was due to a contractual agreement between Psyonix and Epic Games. In 2019, Epic Games acquired Psyonix, and as part of the deal, Psyonix agreed to exclusive distribution rights for Rocket League on the Epic Games Store. This meant that Psyonix would no longer be able to sell the game on other platforms, including Steam.
The Impact on Steam Users
The removal of Rocket League from Steam had a significant impact on the game’s community. Many players were left without access to the game, and those who had purchased the game on Steam were unable to play it. The move also sparked controversy among gamers, who felt that Psyonix was abandoning the Steam community.
The Benefits of the Move
Despite the initial backlash, the move to the Epic Games Store had several benefits for Rocket League. The platform offers more generous revenue sharing for developers, which means that Psyonix can keep a larger percentage of the game’s revenue. Additionally, the Epic Games Store offers exclusive features such as cross-play with other Epic Games titles, including Fortnite.
Comparison of Steam and Epic Games Store
| Feature | Steam | Epic Games Store |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Sharing | 70% to developers | 88% to developers |
| Exclusive Features | None | Cross-play with other Epic Games titles |
| DRM | Valve’s DRM system | Epic Games’ DRM system |
The Future of Rocket League
Despite the move to the Epic Games Store, Rocket League remains a popular game, and Psyonix continues to support it with regular updates and new content. The game’s community remains active, and the game is still widely played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Rocket League still be available on Steam?
A: No, Rocket League is no longer available on Steam.
Q: Can I still play Rocket League on Steam if I already own it?
A: No, you will need to re-purchase the game on the Epic Games Store to continue playing.
Q: Will my Steam achievements and progress be transferred to the Epic Games Store?
A: Yes, Psyonix has confirmed that Steam achievements and progress will be transferred to the Epic Games Store.
Q: Can I play Rocket League with friends who still have the game on Steam?
A: No, due to the exclusive distribution rights, Rocket League players on the Epic Games Store will only be able to play with other players on the same platform.
Q: Will Rocket League be available on other platforms besides the Epic Games Store?
A: No, Rocket League is exclusive to the Epic Games Store.
Q: Can I still purchase Rocket League on other platforms?
A: No, Rocket League is no longer available on other platforms, including Steam.
Q: Will Psyonix continue to support Rocket League on the Epic Games Store?
A: Yes, Psyonix has committed to continuing to support Rocket League with regular updates and new content on the Epic Games Store.
Q: Can I get a refund for Rocket League on Steam?
A: Yes, Steam users who purchased Rocket League on Steam are eligible for a refund.