Grand Theft Auto 2 is a classic. It helped further define the series before it went 3D and was released back in 1999 for the original PlayStation and Windows. As far as we can tell, it was released to Steam in 2008 and has remained available on the popular PC gaming platform ever since. Well, now, it has been delisted from the store. The previous store link (app 12180) will now redirect you to the Steam store homepage.

This comes following a crackdown on adult-themed games spurred by payment processors enforcing their rules and guidelines on game marketplaces after pressure from the non-profit Collective Shout movement. Valve responded to the controversy by confirming that the guidelines are going ahead and has reimbursed affected devs to a certain extent.

GTA 2 was recently delisted on Steam

It hasn’t been confirmed that the actions of Collective Shout and payment processors have led to the delisting of Grand Theft Auto 2, but it seems like a possible cause. Previously, the new guidelines led to the removal of lesser-known games primarily focused on sexual content, and now it appears to be branching out to big names like GTA. With GTA 6 coming out next year, this is an interesting development. Players have been worried about hitting 60 FPS in the upcoming blockbuster, but maybe they should be worrying about this movement instead.

The original Grand Theft Auto was delisted early last year, though it is available as abandonware online, as is GTA 2, but it might take a little bit of digging to find a legit download link still being hosted. In any case, Steam is a hub for PC gaming, so it’s a shame to see the classic title wiped from the store and lose its easy accessibility. Indie game marketplace itch.io was also hit by a wave of removals, not long after Steam.

Fans of the first trilogy of 3D GTA games (GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas) got updated versions in the Definitive Editions that were released a few years back, and they even got an update late last year to add new lighting and weather options, among other small changes. This is why the originals were delisted, but GTA 2 has no such remake to enjoy on Steam.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.