Disney Removes Multiple Games from Steam, Including Classics Like Star Wars: Dark Forces, Outlaws, and High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance

Disney Removes Multiple Games from Steam, Including Classics Like Star Wars: Dark Forces, Outlaws, and High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance

In a significant move that has drawn attention from gamers and industry observers alike, Disney has removed a large number of older games from the Steam storefront. This recent delisting occurred on April 14th, 2023, and included well-known titles from the 1990s such as “Star Wars: Dark Forces” and “Outlaws.” The batch of games removed marks the second round of delistings this year, following an earlier removal of 14 Disney-related games back in January.

Each of the delisted games is closely linked to Disney, with the exception of “Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier,” which was released in 2018 by Imaginati Studios and 20th Century Games. However, since 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox) is owned by Disney, the connection remains intact despite it being a more recent release compared to the other games that predominantly hail from the 90s and early 2000s.

SteamDB, a popular resource for tracking changes on the Steam platform, reported the delistings, which coincided with a notable spike in online discussion, particularly on platforms like BlueSky. The games removed share a nostalgic legacy for many gamers, reflecting a time when licensed games often showcased beloved characters and stories from Disney’s extensive catalog.

For fans of “Star Wars: Dark Forces” and “Outlaws,” there is a silver lining. Both titles have been remastered by Nightdive Studios, allowing players to continue enjoying these classics in updated forms. The remastered versions of these games are available for purchase, providing an opportunity for both new players and returning fans to experience these iconic titles with modern enhancements.

The underlying reasons for Disney’s decision to delist these games are speculated to be connected to legal and licensing complexities, a common issue with older video game titles. Recently, it has also been reported that Epic Games is working on a “Disney extraction shooter,” suggesting potential shifts in how Disney engages with its game portfolio going forward. This may indicate a strategic move towards newer projects while streamlining or eliminating older IP from digital storefronts.

As Disney continues to navigate its gaming licenses and projects, the removal of these classic titles serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of video gaming, where nostalgia occasionally clashes with corporate strategy.