Summary
In a shocking decision, the developer of the virally popular platformerOnly Uphas 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 fromSteamdue to multiple controversies or skyrocketing in popularity due to Twitch,Only Uphas 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 Upfirst launched in May, offering a third-person 3D platforming experienceheavily inspired byGetting 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. ButOnly Up’s popularity has waned significantly since its July peak.
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In an announcement made inOnly Up’sSteam community, the game’s solo developer announced that it will no longer be available to purchase. In explanation, the developer says that the months thatOnly Uphas been available on Steam have been very stressful and what they need now is “peace of mind and healing.” As such, they want to putOnly Upbehind them and move on.
Going forward,Only Up’s developer wants to continue their education in game design and to focus on their nextindie project. They’ve named that projectKithand confirmed that it will be nothing likeOnly 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who boughtOnly Upworries that they’ll be losing their purchase, there’s no indication thatSteam ownership is being rescinded. The game is simply unavailable for new purchases. Old purchases will continue to haveOnly Upin their Steam libraries, available to download and play at any time.
There’s some question as to the necessity of pullingOnly Upfrom 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. ConsideringOnly Uphas beenremoved from Steambefore 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.
