Rocket League: Gone From Steam, But Not Forgotten
The simple answer to why you can’t buy Rocket League on Steam anymore is this: Epic Games acquired Psyonix, the developer of Rocket League, in May 2019. As part of this acquisition, and to further promote their own Epic Games Store, Epic made the decision to pull Rocket League from Steam for new purchases. While existing owners can still play through Steam, the game is exclusively available for new PC players as a free-to-play title on the Epic Games Store. This move sparked considerable discussion within the gaming community, raising questions about platform exclusivity and the long-term implications of such acquisitions.
The Epic Acquisition and Its Ramifications
A Strategic Move by Epic Games
Epic Games’ acquisition of Psyonix was a calculated move to bolster their presence in the gaming market and challenge Steam’s dominance. Rocket League was a wildly successful and popular title with a dedicated fanbase. By bringing it under the Epic umbrella and making it exclusive to the Epic Games Store for new players, Epic aimed to drive more traffic to their platform and increase its user base.
The free-to-play transition further sweetened the deal for potential new players. Removing the initial purchase price eliminated a barrier to entry, making the game more accessible and attracting a wider audience. While this benefited new players, it also caused some frustration among existing players who had purchased the game previously, as the game has become exclusive to the Epic Games Store.
The Impact on Existing Steam Players
It’s important to note that if you purchased Rocket League on Steam before it was removed, you can still play the game through the Steam platform. You will continue to receive updates and have access to all features, just as before. However, new players wishing to join the Rocket League community on PC are now directed to the Epic Games Store.
Platform Exclusivity: A Growing Trend
The removal of Rocket League from Steam exemplifies a growing trend in the gaming industry: platform exclusivity. Major companies like Epic Games and Microsoft are increasingly acquiring studios and securing exclusive rights to games to attract users to their respective platforms. While this can lead to increased competition and innovation, it can also limit consumer choice and create fragmentation within the gaming landscape.
GamesLearningSociety.org: Exploring the Educational Side of Gaming
The strategic decisions behind these acquisitions and the impact on player communities highlights the complex dynamics of the modern gaming industry. Beyond entertainment, games like Rocket League offer valuable opportunities for learning and skill development. To explore the intersection of games and education, resources like the Games Learning Society offer insights into how games can be used to foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. You can find more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that address common concerns and queries about Rocket League’s availability and features after the Epic Games acquisition.
1. Is Rocket League still available on Steam for existing owners?
Yes, if you purchased Rocket League on Steam before it was removed from the store, you can still play it through Steam. Your game library will remain intact, and you’ll receive updates as usual.
2. Can I download Rocket League on Steam if I already own it but uninstalled it?
Yes, you can re-download Rocket League on Steam if you own it. Simply go to your Steam library and install the game.
3. How do I install Rocket League on Steam in 2023 (if I own it)?
To install:
- Log in to your Steam account.
- Go to your “Library” section.
- Select “Games” in the left sidebar.
- Find Rocket League in your list and click on it.
- Click “Install.”
4. Can I buy Rocket League DLC on Steam if I own the base game?
Yes, you can purchase and use DLC on Steam if you own the base game on Steam. Purchases are linked to your Steam account.
5. What happens if I bought Rocket League on Steam before the move to Epic Games Store?
If you bought Rocket League on Steam before the move, you keep the game on Steam! It’s yours to play, update, and enjoy.
6. Do I need an Epic Games Account to play Rocket League on Steam?
Yes, even if you play on Steam, you will still need to link your Epic Games account to Rocket League. This is a requirement due to the game being owned by Epic Games.
7. Can I trade with friends on Steam if they play on Epic Games?
Trading is platform-specific. Items purchased can only be traded on the platform where they were bought. So, Steam users can only trade with other Steam users, and Epic Games Store users can only trade with others on the Epic Games Store.
8. How do I link my Steam account to my Epic Games Account for Rocket League?
To link accounts:
- Go to rocketleague.com/activate.
- Log in to your Epic Games Account.
- Click “Check Setup.”
- Follow the prompts to link your Steam account.
9. Is Rocket League free-to-play now?
Yes, Rocket League is free-to-play on the Epic Games Store. This transition occurred when the game became available on the Epic Games Store.
10. How do I get Rocket League without using the Epic Games Store?
The only way to play Rocket League on PC now for new players is through the Epic Games Store. It is no longer available for purchase on Steam.
11. Why are Rocket League Steam keys so expensive (if found)?
Rocket League keys for Steam (if found through third-party sellers) are expensive because they are rare and no longer officially sold. The scarcity drives up the price due to high demand from collectors and those wanting the Steam version.
12. Can I buy Rocket League credits on Steam?
You cannot buy Rocket League credits directly through Steam for the Epic Games version of the game. Credit purchases are managed through the platform you are playing on (in this case, via the Epic Games Store).
13. Will Rocket League ever return to Steam?
It is unlikely that Rocket League will return to Steam for new purchases, as Epic Games owns Psyonix and wants to promote its own store. While never say never, there are no current signs indicating a change in this strategy.
14. What are the benefits of playing Rocket League on the Epic Games Store versus Steam?
Functionally, there is little difference. The primary difference is the platform through which you launch the game. The Epic Games Store version is more readily accessible for new players, and Epic sometimes offers exclusive promotions and discounts. However, the core gameplay experience is identical.
15. Can I use Steam’s Family Sharing feature to play Rocket League?
Yes, if you already own Rocket League on Steam, you can use Steam’s Family Sharing feature to share the game with other accounts. However, they will still need to link their own Epic Games accounts to play.
In summary, while Rocket League is no longer available for purchase on Steam for new players due to Epic Games’ acquisition and platform exclusivity strategy, existing owners can continue to enjoy the game on Steam. This situation highlights the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry and the growing trend of platform exclusivity.