User:ZeusDeeGoose/sandbox/Delisting of Video games

Delisting is when a product is removed from stores. Occasionally, video games get delisted as well. Video games can be delisted for a number of reasons.

Why games get delisted

 * 1) Multiplayer games may get delisted if their servers shut down, because the game would be non-functional if you had purchased it.
 * 2) Licensing issues: If a licence expires, a game may be delisted.
 * 3) Digital shops getting shut down, taking all the games down on the service.
 * 4) If its publisher is defunct.
 * 5) If the game is controversial, it may be delisted.
 * 6) When the original version is replaced by the next port.

Notable examples

 * Scott Pilgrim VS. The World: The Game is likely the most famous example of this. It was delisted in 2014, likely due to licensing issues. However, it was later re-released in 2021.
 * Many games from Telltale Games were delisted due to its company being defunct.
 * Due to Sonic Origin s' release, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and Sonic & Knuckles were delisted in May of 2022.
 * The original versio ns of mh:awesomegames:Grand Theft Auto III, mh:awesomegames:Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and mh:awesomegames:Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas were delisted from all storefronts (excluding the Rockstar Games Launcher) in October of 2021 due to the release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.
 * The iOS ports of SMT 1 and 2 were delisted due to Atlus not renewing the license.
 * Sony delisted Cyberpunk 2077 for it's numerous glitches and awful launch.

Where to find if games are getting delisted

 * Developer/Publisher's social media or website
 * Steam notes it on the store page

How to get delisted games

 * Physical copies: Many games get physical copies. Several indie games get physical copies from companies like Limited Run Games.
 * Purchase history: Assuming you've bought the game before, most of the time, you can redownload it from the digital store on that console.
 * Remakes/Remasters: Some games get remasters after they get delisted. These can be good ways to play delisted games, but be warned that remakes can change a lot of content.
 * Piracy: Unfortunately, for many delisted games, the only way to access them is via piracy.