John Wick Hex to Be Delisted From All Stores This Week
▼ Summary
– John Wick Hex is being removed from sale on July 17, with no new purchases allowed, though existing owners retain access.
– The likely reason for the takedown is expiring license rights, a common issue for media-tied games.
– The game launched in 2019 as an Epic Store exclusive, later coming to Steam, but saw modest player numbers.
– Despite its cel-shaded art and tactical focus differing from the films, critics praised its innovative gameplay.
– The removal follows developer Mike Bithell’s recent praise for improved quality in licensed games, though IP protectionism remains a challenge.
John Wick Hex, the acclaimed tactical strategy game inspired by the hit action franchise, will vanish from digital storefronts this week. Publisher Big Fan Games confirmed the title will no longer be available for purchase after July 17, though existing owners will retain access. While no official explanation was given, industry observers point to expiring licensing agreements as the likely cause, a recurring challenge for games tied to external intellectual property.
First released in 2019 as an Epic Games Store exclusive, the game later expanded to Steam in 2020. Though it never achieved blockbuster status, critics praised its inventive turn-based combat system, which cleverly translated the films’ high-octane gunplay into methodical, chess-like encounters. The cel-shaded visuals and strategic depth set it apart from typical movie tie-ins, earning praise for its fresh take on the John Wick universe.
The delisting arrives with ironic timing. Just days before the announcement, Bithell Games founder Mike Bithell, whose studio developed John Wick Hex, spoke optimistically about the evolution of licensed games. He noted how IP holders now demand higher quality adaptations, moving beyond the era of rushed cash-grab titles. Yet this incident underscores how licensing hurdles continue to disrupt even well-received projects.
For those still interested, the game remains at full price on Steam and Epic, but discounted Steam keys are available for $4 (80% off) via Humble Store. Once removed, John Wick Hex will join a growing list of licensed games lost to contractual limbo, a reminder of the fragile nature of digital preservation in gaming.
While the industry has made strides in elevating licensed titles beyond mere merchandise, this situation highlights how corporate decisions can still abruptly cut off access to creative works. Players hoping to experience this unique tactical spin on the John Wick mythos have only a narrow window left to secure a copy.
(Source: PCGAMER)
