2020 RPG Reaches Full Price on PS5 and PS4 Before Being Removed

Sudden Delisting of Award-Winning RPG John Wick Hex from PS5 and PS4

An award-winning role-playing game has recently gone full price on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, just before it was permanently removed from all online storefronts. The game in question is John Wick Hex, a tactical RPG developed by renowned creator Mike Bithell. This unexpected move has left many players and fans puzzled, as the title was heavily discounted up until just a short time ago.

The current publisher of John Wick Hex, Big Fan Games, announced the delisting of the game on Steam. According to the notice, existing owners will still be able to access the game through their digital libraries or physical copies, but new purchases will no longer be possible across any platform or storefront. This means that once the game is completely removed from online stores, it will no longer be available for purchase.

Despite the announcement, no specific reason was given for the delisting. However, many speculate that this could be due to an expired license. Even with this assumption, the situation remains confusing, especially since the publisher chose to increase the price of the game just before pulling it from sale. This sudden shift in pricing and availability raises questions about the decision-making process behind such a move.

Pricing Discrepancies Across Platforms

One of the most notable aspects of this delisting is the variation in pricing across different platforms. On the PlayStation Store, John Wick Hex typically costs $3.99, but it is currently priced at $19.99. The same price is listed on Xbox, while on Steam, the game is available for $8.19 and $3.99 on Humble. These differences highlight how online store prices are usually determined by the publishers themselves.

This pricing inconsistency may have contributed to the confusion surrounding the game's removal. Players who were expecting a discounted price found themselves facing a much higher cost just before the game became unavailable. For those who had already purchased the game, this change might not affect them directly, but for potential buyers, it creates a last-minute dilemma.

Impact on Fans and the Gaming Community

The sudden delisting of John Wick Hex has sparked discussions within the gaming community. Many fans are disappointed, as the game received critical acclaim and was considered a standout title in the RPG genre. Its removal from digital storefronts means that future players will not have the opportunity to experience it unless they already own a copy.

Some speculate that the game’s removal could be part of a larger trend in the industry, where titles are taken down due to licensing issues or other business decisions. While this is not uncommon, the lack of transparency around the reasons for the delisting has left many questions unanswered.

What This Means for the Future of the Game

Although the game is being permanently removed from online stores, it is still accessible to those who already own it. This means that the game will continue to be playable for its existing audience, but it will no longer be available for new players. This outcome could lead to increased demand for physical copies or digital downloads from those who want to own the game.

For now, the situation remains unclear. The absence of a formal explanation from the publisher has only added to the mystery surrounding the delisting. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, such incidents serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of digital distribution and the importance of clear communication between developers, publishers, and players.