A Gaming Classic Disappears from Digital Shelves
System Shock 2, one of the most influential immersive sims ever created, is about to become significantly harder to buy. Nightdive Studios and parent company Atari announced that the original 1999 version will be delisted from all PC platforms on October 10, 2025, just days away. After that date, new players won’t be able to purchase the classic version as a standalone product.
The delisting affects Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store. While existing owners will retain full access to download and play the game from their libraries indefinitely, anyone who doesn’t already own it has just days remaining to grab the original before it vanishes from storefronts. The announcement has sparked debate about game preservation, pricing practices, and whether remasters should replace the originals they’re based on.
The Price Jump That Has Players Concerned
Here’s where things get controversial. After October 10th, the only way to access System Shock 2 will be through purchasing the System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster. Both new buyers and existing remaster owners will receive the 1999 version added to their library at no additional cost. Sounds reasonable at first glance, but the math tells a different story.
The original System Shock 2 currently sells for 9.99 dollars (6.99 pounds) and frequently drops to just one dollar during Steam sales. The 25th Anniversary Remaster costs 29.99 dollars (23.99 pounds), nearly triple the price. For players who simply want the classic experience with community mods, this forced bundling represents a significant price increase with no alternative purchasing option.
| Version | Current Price (USD) | Current Price (GBP) | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Shock 2 (1999) | $9.99 | £6.99 | Often $1 |
| 25th Anniversary Remaster | $29.99 | £23.99 | Varies |
| Price Increase | +200% | +242% | +2900% (vs $1 sale) |
What the Original Version Offers
The 1999 version of System Shock 2 isn’t just a relic. It runs exceptionally well on modern systems, especially with community modifications that have been refined over two decades. The modding community has created extensive graphics overhauls, quality-of-life improvements, and bug fixes that rival or exceed what official remasters typically provide.
For many players, the original represents the definitive experience precisely because of these community enhancements. The game’s modding scene remains active, with texture packs, HD models, improved audio, and gameplay tweaks all freely available. Some fans prefer this approach over the remaster’s changes, which alter certain artistic choices and gameplay elements.
Key Features of the 1999 Version
- Extensive community mod support built over 25 years
- Lower system requirements for older hardware
- Original artistic vision and sound design preserved
- Runs smoothly on modern operating systems
- Significantly lower price point, especially during sales
The 25th Anniversary Remaster Differences
To be fair to Nightdive Studios, the 25th Anniversary Remaster isn’t just a simple upscale. Released in June 2025 for PC and July 2025 for consoles, the remaster was built using Nightdive’s proprietary KEX Engine. This complete port brings genuine improvements rather than superficial changes.
The remaster features enhanced visuals with improved lighting, higher resolution textures, and modernized effects while attempting to maintain the original’s atmosphere. Cross-platform co-op multiplayer works better than the original’s notoriously finicky implementation. The game supports modern aspect ratios, runs at higher framerates, and includes quality-of-life improvements to inventory management and controls.
Currently sitting at an 87% positive rating on Steam based on over 1,000 reviews, the remaster has been well-received by critics and players. Nightdive Studios has earned a strong reputation for respectful remasters, and this project upholds that standard. The console versions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch all launched successfully without the technical issues that plagued many modern ports.
Game Preservation Concerns
The delisting raises broader questions about digital game preservation. System Shock 2 represents a pivotal moment in gaming history, bridging the gap between traditional shooters and immersive sims while pioneering survival horror mechanics that influenced everything from BioShock to Dead Space. Its place in gaming history is undeniable.
Bundling the original with the remaster at least preserves access, unlike complete delistings that remove games entirely. Players purchasing the remaster receive both versions, allowing comparison between original and enhanced editions. This approach beats total removal, but critics argue it shouldn’t require triple the original price to access a 26-year-old game.
GOG’s involvement adds another layer. The platform announced late last year that games in their Preservation Program will continue receiving compatibility updates even after delisting. System Shock 2 is part of this program, though GOG hasn’t explicitly announced whether the delisting applies to their storefront or just Steam and Epic. The language stating “PC platforms” suggests GOG will follow suit.
Community Reaction Split
Response from the System Shock community has been decidedly mixed. Some players appreciate Nightdive’s transparency about the delisting and the bundling approach that preserves access to both versions. Others view it as a calculated move to force players toward the more expensive product.
Reddit discussions highlight the divide. One camp argues that existing owners keep their copies and new buyers get both versions for one purchase, making it reasonable. The opposing view emphasizes that players interested only in the classic experience now face a 200% price increase with no alternative. Those who picked up the original for a dollar during past sales feel vindicated, while others scramble to grab keys from resellers before the deadline.
Comparison to Other Delistings
This situation differs significantly from other high-profile delistings. When Blizzard delisted Warcraft I and II from GOG, the games remained available on Battle.net but without the classic versions included as bonuses with the remasters. Players lost DRM-free access without gaining anything in return.
Nightdive’s approach at least bundles both versions together, though the price difference remains a sticking point. The company previously delisted System Shock: Enhanced Edition after releasing the full remake, but that product completely rebuilt the game from scratch rather than remastering it, making the comparison less direct.
How to Get the Original Before Delisting
Players have until October 10, 2025, to purchase the standalone 1999 version at its current price. The game is available on Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store, with Steam keys also available through authorized resellers for around two dollars. After the delisting date, these options disappear permanently.
Anyone who purchases the original before delisting retains permanent access through their library. The game will continue receiving downloads and updates from existing owners. However, once delisted, the only pathway to System Shock 2 requires buying the 29.99 dollar remaster, which then grants access to both versions.
FAQs
When exactly is System Shock 2 being delisted?
The original 1999 version of System Shock 2 will be delisted from all PC platforms (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store) on October 10, 2025. After this date, it cannot be purchased as a standalone product.
Will I lose my copy if I already own System Shock 2?
No, existing owners retain full access forever. You can re-download and play the game from your library indefinitely. The delisting only affects new purchases.
How can I get System Shock 2 after the delisting?
After October 10th, the only way to obtain System Shock 2 is by purchasing the System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster for 29.99 dollars. Both the remaster and original 1999 version are included with this purchase.
What’s the price difference between versions?
The original costs 9.99 dollars (frequently on sale for 1 dollar), while the remaster costs 29.99 dollars. This represents a 200% increase, or up to 2900% compared to sale prices.
Does the 25th Anniversary Remaster include the original?
Yes, both current and future owners of the 25th Anniversary Remaster will receive the 1999 original version added to their library at no additional cost after the delisting.
Why is Nightdive Studios delisting the original?
Nightdive hasn’t provided explicit reasoning, but bundling the original with the remaster simplifies their product lineup while potentially driving more sales toward the higher-priced remaster.
What improvements does the remaster offer?
The remaster uses Nightdive’s KEX Engine to provide enhanced visuals, improved lighting, better multiplayer implementation, modern aspect ratio support, higher framerates, and quality-of-life improvements while preserving the original gameplay.
Will the original still work with mods after delisting?
Yes, the original version retains full mod support for existing owners. The delisting only affects purchasing availability, not functionality or community modifications.
Conclusion
The System Shock 2 delisting represents another complicated chapter in the ongoing debate about game preservation and remaster policies. While Nightdive Studios deserves credit for bundling both versions rather than completely removing the original, the effective price tripling for new players interested only in the classic experience remains a legitimate concern. With just days remaining until October 10th, players interested in the standalone 1999 version should act quickly. For everyone else, the remaster provides a well-executed modernization that successfully brings this influential classic to modern platforms, even if the bundling approach means paying significantly more than the original’s budget-friendly price tag. Whether this becomes the standard practice for future remasters or remains an isolated case will likely depend on how the gaming community responds to this precedent.