Deadpool and Other Activision Titles Get Mysterious Steam Updates
Recently, several delisted games published by Activision, including Deadpool (2013), received updates on Steam, reigniting hope among fans for their potential return. The update, labeled “added store_screenshot,” suggests changes were made to the games’ Steam pages, although these titles remain unavailable for purchase.
The Legacy of Deadpool: From Cult Classic to Delisted Status
Before Deadpool became a household name through Ryan Reynolds’ live-action films, developer High Moon Studios brought the antihero to life in a stand-alone action hack-and-slash game for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Despite its cult following, the game was delisted in 2014 when Activision lost its Marvel license. Briefly returning in 2015 to coincide with the first Deadpool film, the game has remained unavailable for the past seven years, with physical copies fetching exorbitant prices online.
Other Affected Marvel and Transformers Games
Deadpool isn’t the only casualty of Activision’s licensing expirations. Several beloved titles, including:
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance (1 and 2)
- Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
- Transformers: War for Cybertron
- Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
- Transformers: Devastation
These games were similarly removed from digital storefronts, leaving fans with limited options for legal access. Physical copies of some of these games have become collector’s items.
Speculations Around the Recent Updates
The addition of screenshots to the Steam database pages of these games raises questions. Players speculate this could signal Activision’s intent to reintroduce these titles, particularly in light of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Microsoft has previously expressed interest in reviving the Transformers games, adding fuel to these rumors.
However, there’s no official confirmation, and fans are advised to temper expectations until concrete evidence surfaces.
The Continued Appeal of Delisted Titles
High Demand for Cult Favorites
Many of the updated games, such as Deadpool and Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, remain highly regarded by fans. The Deadpool game, for instance, has been brought back into the spotlight following interest in Deadpool 3 and its Wolverine crossover, with some physical copies listed for nearly $50,000.
Challenges with Licensing
The primary barrier to re-releasing these titles lies in licensing agreements, as the rights to Marvel and Transformers properties are no longer held by Activision. Any reintroduction would likely require renegotiations or new licensing deals.
Conclusion: Hope for the Return of Fan-Favorite Games
While the recent updates to Steam pages for Deadpool and other delisted Activision games are intriguing, they may not necessarily indicate a full re-release. Still, the renewed attention underscores the enduring popularity of these games and the demand for legal and accessible ways to enjoy them.
Fans of Deadpool, Marvel titles, and the Transformers series will need to stay tuned for further developments, keeping fingers crossed for these classics to make a triumphant return to online storefronts.
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