Can You Still Play Only Up? The Truth Behind the Viral Sensation’s Disappearance
Yes and no. The short answer is that you can no longer purchase Only Up! on Steam, as the game has been officially delisted by its developer. This means the primary avenue for playing Only Up! has been shut down. However, if you were one of the players who purchased Only Up! before its removal, the game will remain in your Steam library and can still be played. You just won’t be able to buy the game if you don’t already own it. For those who missed out, finding an official way to play Only Up! is difficult, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the end for the game. Let’s delve deeper into the story behind this once-viral phenomenon and the reasons for its sudden departure from the digital shelves.
The Rise and Fall of Only Up!
Only Up! burst onto the scene in late May 2023, quickly capturing the attention of gamers worldwide. Developed by SCKR Games, this indie title presented a seemingly simple yet incredibly challenging premise: climb relentlessly upwards through a surreal, chaotic world. Players navigated through bizarre landscapes featuring everything from giant disembodied feet to floating Shiba Inu balloons, testing their patience and platforming skills to their limits.
The game’s difficulty became its calling card. Twitch streamers and YouTubers flocked to Only Up!, showcasing their attempts to conquer its seemingly endless climb. This propelled the game to viral fame, especially on platforms like TikTok, where clips of hilarious fails and improbable successes went viral. It became a cultural moment, a shared experience among players, but the game’s popularity has waned significantly since its peak. The sudden delisting has made Only Up! a cautionary tale in the often unpredictable world of indie gaming.
The Delisting: Why Only Up! Disappeared
The removal of Only Up! from Steam was not due to any technical issues, but rather, a conscious decision by the solo developer behind SCKR Games. The developer cited “stress” as the primary reason, stating they needed “peace of mind and healing”. This announcement came after the game was criticized for its use of potentially copyrighted assets and accusations of promoting NFTs. These controversies, combined with the pressure of managing a viral hit, apparently took a heavy toll on the developer, leading to the decision to pull the plug on the game’s commercial availability.
What Happens When a Game Gets Delisted?
The delisting of Only Up! from Steam mirrors situations that occur in the stock market when a stock is delisted from an exchange. It doesn’t mean the assets are gone, but the avenue for trading them has been removed. While those who own the game can still play it, it can no longer be officially purchased, limiting the developer’s sales, and the game’s overall reach. It creates an interesting situation where the game exists in limbo, enjoyed by those who were early adopters, but inaccessible to new players. This kind of situation also often causes values to drop in cases where a secondary market exists. In Only Up!’s case, there isn’t a secondary market.
The Impact on Players and the Future
The removal of Only Up! highlights the human element behind game development. The pressure on indie developers to create and maintain a popular game can be overwhelming. While it’s disappointing for those who never had the chance to play, the developer’s health and well-being are undoubtedly more important. In a way, this incident serves as a reminder that the games we play are created by real people. The future of Only Up! is now uncertain. While there are no current plans to return the game to sale or for console ports, it’s worth considering that nothing is ever truly gone in the digital world, and a return down the line is a possibility. However, at the moment, the path to access is difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Only Up!
1. If I already own Only Up! on Steam, can I still play it?
Yes, if you purchased Only Up! before its removal, it will remain in your Steam library and you can still play it. You can download and install the game as usual.
2. Is Only Up! available on any other platforms besides Steam?
As of now, Only Up! is not officially available on any other platform, including consoles like PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. There has been no announcement about any potential console ports.
3. Why was Only Up! removed from Steam?
The developer of Only Up! removed it from Steam due to stress, citing accusations of using infringing assets and promoting NFTs. They stated they needed “peace of mind and healing” from the game’s demands and controversies.
4. Can I still buy Only Up! anywhere?
No, Only Up! is no longer available for purchase on Steam or any other official store.
5. What is the gameplay of Only Up! like?
Only Up! is a platforming game where players climb vertically through a surreal and challenging environment. Players must carefully navigate through obstacles like giant objects, balloons, and scaffolding.
6. What made Only Up! so popular?
Only Up!‘s popularity stemmed from its unique and challenging gameplay, which led to viral streams and videos of players trying to reach the top. The game’s strange and visually distinct environment also contributed to its appeal.
7. Is Only Up! a Chinese game?
While Only Up! gained popularity in China and was streamed by many influencers in China, it is not a Chinese game itself. It was developed by SCKR Games.
8. Is it possible Only Up! will be re-released?
There’s no official information about a potential re-release. While not impossible, the developer’s stated need for “peace of mind” suggests it’s unlikely in the near future.
9. What does ‘delisted’ mean in gaming?
In gaming, a delisted game means that it is removed from the official stores and is no longer available for purchase. Existing owners can still play, but new players cannot buy it.
10. What happens to games that use copyrighted assets?
Games that use copyrighted assets without permission risk being taken down from stores and/or facing legal challenges from the copyright holder. The use of unlicensed materials was one of the reasons behind the Only Up! removal.
11. What is the purpose of Only Up!?
Only Up! is a game focused on challenging players to overcome difficult platforming sequences and reach increasingly higher altitudes. There is no specific story objective beyond that.
12. Are there any similar games to Only Up!?
Many games share the difficult platforming and climbing aspects of Only Up!, including Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, and various “rage-inducing” platformers. The vertical nature of the game can be found in various other titles as well.
13. What if a delisted game comes back?
It is possible for a delisted game to be re-listed if the developer chooses to return it to sale, addresses the reasons for the delisting, and if the store allows it.
14. How does delisting a game compare to delisting a stock?
Both involve removing an asset from an official trading platform. While ownership remains, it is more difficult to buy and sell. Just as shares of a delisted stock can trade over-the-counter, a delisted game may be played but is difficult to acquire.
15. Is it possible to play a version of Only Up! on Roblox or Fortnite?
Yes, player-created versions of Only Up! have been developed in games like Roblox and Fortnite. These are not official releases but offer similar gameplay experiences.
Only Up!‘s story serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of viral trends and the importance of considering the people behind the games we enjoy. While its disappearance from Steam has left a void for some, the game’s legend will live on, at least for those who experienced its challenging climb.