Bioshock for iOS has seemingly been removed from the App Store permanently
Update: Bioshock has won a reprieve. 2K just reached out to TouchArcade and says that the game will be placed back in the App Store at some later date:
2K recently provided inaccurate information to customers surrounding removal of BioShock for iOS from the App Store. BioShock is currently incompatible with iOS versions 8.4 and higher, and as such, is temporarily removed for purchase from the App Store. 2K is fixing the compatibility issue, and when resolved, will place BioShock back on the App Store for purchase. Customers who already own BioShock may continue playing the game with iOS version 8.3 or earlier. 2K regrets the initial customer service error and looks forward to delivering an updated version of BioShock for iOS in the near future.
Here’s the original story:
Bioshock, at least for iOS devices, has apparently gone to a different kind of rapture. And more than likely, the port of the popular console game will not be returning to the App Store.
The interesting saga started back in July when developer 2K removed the universal game, which cost a whopping $14.99 to download, from the App Store. Apparently, the game suffered from compatibility issues with any device running iOS 8.4 or later.
It was widely expected that 2K would fix the game and eventually place it back on sale. But that’s not exactly what happened. First reported by TouchArcade, 2K decided to earlier this week completely delist the game. That means that even users who previously bought the game can’t download it from their purchase history.
At least one reader of the site was able get an explanation from 2K. And it isn’t pretty.
You can take a look at the complete email from 2K support here, but the representative said that the game’s removal was a “developer decision” and that they should request a refund for the game directly from Apple. Complete instructions on how to request a refund can be found on Apple’s site.
That’s definitely a surprising decision on 2K’s part. The game arrived a little more than a year ago. And in our original review, we said the port offered console gaming depth but did lack the quality graphics found on the Mac or other more powerful machines.
While I hope anyone who has purchased the game is able to get a refund, it will be up to Apple to make the final decision. I would have like to have seen 2K be more upfront with gamers and explain exactly why the game was delisted from the App Store. Hopefully this won’t happen to other iOS games from the company.
For other news today, see: Spruce up your live streams with a tap using Zapstream, Get ready to giggle with the new animated puzzler AZZL, and Amplify and sync your party music with AmpMe for iOS and Android.
