Highlights
- The popular platformer game Only Up has been shockingly removed from Steam with no plans for it to return, causing disappointment among fans.
- Despite controversies and a surge in popularity, Only Up's availability has been cut short, leaving players wondering about the reasons behind its removal.
- The game's developer wants to focus on their next indie project, named Kith, which will be a departure from Only Up and will feature a small team and a focus on realism and cinematography.
In a shocking decision, the developer of the virally popular platformer Only Up has removed the game from Steam with no plans for it to return. Despite only being available for several months, Only Up's availability has been rife with newsworthy events. Whether it's being pulled from Steam due to multiple controversies or skyrocketing in popularity due to Twitch, Only Up has been a very interesting game. Yet now it's no longer available to purchase on Steam, and the reasons why are understandable yet strange.
Only Up first launched in May, offering a third-person 3D platforming experience heavily inspired by Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy. The game's popularity wouldn't peak until well after launch, however, as the indie game relied on word of mouth to find its audience. Due to its extremely challenging nature, Only Up's biggest break came from Twitch streamers known for playing high-difficulty games, leading to a period of viral sales. But Only Up's popularity has waned significantly since its July peak.
In an announcement made in Only Up's Steam community, the game's solo developer announced that it will no longer be available to purchase. In explanation, the developer says that the months that Only Up has been available on Steam have been very stressful and what they need now is "peace of mind and healing." As such, they want to put Only Up behind them and move on.
Going forward, Only Up's developer wants to continue their education in game design and to focus on their next indie project. They've named that project Kith and confirmed that it will be nothing like Only Up. Instead, the new game will feature realism, with an emphasis on cinematography. They also say they want the new game to be made by a small team, rather than as a solo project.
Before anyone who bought Only Up worries that they'll be losing their purchase, there's no indication that Steam ownership is being rescinded. The game is simply unavailable for new purchases. Old purchases will continue to have Only Up in their Steam libraries, available to download and play at any time.
There's some question as to the necessity of pulling Only Up from Steam entirely. The developer could just as easily have announced they would no longer update or support the game, while leaving it available to purchase on Steam. Considering Only Up has been removed from Steam before for allegedly stealing assets from other games, not to mention advertising NFTs, there's some question regarding whether it could get in further trouble yet. The developer does admit they've made "a lot of mistakes," but asks Steam users to be understanding.
Only Up is a PC release that is no longer available.
Source: Steam