Ubisoft’s celebrated Rocksmith 2014 is slated for removal from digital storefronts on October 23. As a sequel to 2011’s Rocksmith, the game has been not just an entertaining rhythm title but also an authentic guitar-teaching tool. Let’s dive into the details about why this removal is happening and what it means for players.

Rocksmith 2014’s Unique Position in Gaming

Rocksmith 2014, launched as a follow-up to its predecessor Rocksmith, managed to carve out a unique space for itself. Unlike games like Guitar Hero, which utilize plastic guitars, Rocksmith 2014 takes a real guitar as input. This unique feature garnered the game a high level of acclaim, achieving an overall rating of 84 and gaining praise for its dual role as a compelling game and an educational tool.

Reasons for Delisting

It turns out that the reason for Rocksmith 2014’s delisting is its licensed soundtrack. Ubisoft’s rights to the officially licensed music within the game are expiring, necessitating its removal from digital stores. Specifically, the game will no longer be available for purchase digitally after October 23.

The Fallout for Existing Content and New Purchases

While the game itself is being removed, all downloadable content (DLC) for Rocksmith 2014 will also be unavailable after October 23. This timeline gives interested players less than a month from now to buy the DLC.

The Impact on Current and Potential New Customers

Although the delisting is disappointing, it’s worth noting that existing owners can still re-download Rocksmith 2014 and its DLC. This removal, therefore, chiefly affects new customers who will not have the option to purchase the digital version anymore. However, physical copies will remain in circulation.

The Presence of Rocksmith+

For those disheartened by the delisting, Ubisoft has a current offering called Rocksmith+, which was released in 2022 for PC and later extended to Android and iOS in 2023. It operates on a subscription model and offers a library of over 7,000 songs. However, Rocksmith+ is not available on consoles and has not seen the same level of enthusiasm as Rocksmith 2014.

Supported Platforms for Rocksmith 2014

Rocksmith 2014 is compatible with multiple platforms, including PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. However, the digital versions for these platforms will no longer be available post-delisting.

Conclusion

The imminent delisting of Rocksmith 2014 is a significant event for the gaming community, especially for those who appreciated its dual utility as a game and an educational tool. While existing owners can still access the game and its DLC, potential new customers will lose out on the digital purchase option. Although Rocksmith+ serves as a modern alternative, it doesn’t replace the unique offerings of Rocksmith 2014. Therefore, fans and new players alike should be aware of these developments as they consider their options.

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