Update: Thanks to Microsoft, they were able to renegotiate the music licenses for Alan Wake. Due to this, the game is coming back to Steam and GOG.
Original story:
As of May 15th, 2017, Remedy Entertainment is reporting that Alan Wake will be pulled from Steam, GOG and Xbox One due to expiring music licenses. The game featured a number of songs that were licensed for the game and now those licenses are expiring. The original license was only good for seven years, not sure how they figured that would be enough time, but apparently, it wasn’t.
Remedy Entertainment isn’t sure if and when they’ll be able to renegotiate a new license for the music used in-game, so they’ll be pulling the games. It’s not all doom and gloom, however. To send the game off, Remedy will be offering a 90% discount on Alan Wake. this sale will start on May 13th and will run for 48 hours. You’ll be able to pick up the game for $2.99, isn’t that crazy? Steam page link here.
If you ever wanted to try the game, this weekend is your last time. It will be damn cheap, so pick it up even if you don’t plan on playing it. It’s worth nothing that Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, is not affected by this.
Lastly, anyone who already owns the game can reinstall it at any time after the game is pulled. You just won’t be able to purchase the title anymore.
Alan Wake sale on @steam_games 90% discount starting 5/13. Game will be removed from stores after 5/15 due to expiring music licenses. pic.twitter.com/y10DPgY8Q0
— Remedy Entertainment (@remedygames) May 12, 2017
Sadly, this just one of the downsides to digital games and the future that we’re all heading towards. Licenses will come and go, but physical games are forever, or until the CD rots or you lose it.
