Michael Cripe
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SteamWorld Heist 2 is no longer confirmed for a Game Pass launch despite previous messaging from developer Thunderful.
When the studio originally revealed its steampunk strategy follow-up in April of this year, it promised fans that they would see it launch on August 8, 2024, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S, and Game Pass. However, as spotted by XboxEra, social media posts mentioning a Game Pass release have since been deleted, and trailers that included the Xbox service’s branding have seemingly been modified and reuploaded without the logo. Its inclusion can still be seen in re-uploads from third-party accounts like YouTube channel GN Game Trailers.
A representative with Fortyseven PR confirmed with XboxEra that SteamWorld Heist 2 is no longer coming to Game Pass, adding that the Xbox service’s logo was mistakenly added. Thunderful and Fortyseven did not reveal how the Game Pass logo managed to worm its way into an official trailer, but in a statement sent to Kotaku’s Ethan Gach, a spokesperson further clarified that distribution plans for SteamWorld Heist 2 are still being ironed out.
“We inadvertently included a Game Pass logo in our reveal trailer,” the statement says. “We have not finalized our distribution plans for SteamWorld Heist 2 at this time. We’ll share news about our distribution plans closer to launch.”
SteamWorld Heist 2 is still planned to launch for all other previously announced console and PC platforms. The sequel follows Captain Leeway and their struggle against a new menace that threatens the Great Sea. Spicing up the turn-based combat this time around is real-time naval combat, more crew customization, more story, and more steampunk weapons.
Although it’s looking like SteamWorld Heist 2 won’t sneak its way into Game Pass when it launches this August, the service does currently offer other SteamWorld games to enjoy. Included in the PC and console tiers today are SteamWorld Dig 2 and SteamWorld Build. Console players also have access to the original SteamWorld Dig. We interviewed the team at Thunderful about SteamWorld Heist 2 when it was revealed earlier this year. During our chat, we learned more about how the team keeps the SteamWorld franchise chugging with each new release as well as how the sequel gives tactical players more to explore.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.