Microsoft’s Quantum Break game has been removed from the Xbox and Steam stores, although only temporarily. The sci-fi action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Microsoft Studios, has been taken down due to expired music licenses.
The game was released in 2016 for Windows and Xbox One and features a combination of standard gameplay with storytelling like a TV show. It stars actors like Shawn Ashmore, Aidan Gillen, and Dominic Monaghan.
According to a tweet by Remedy’s communications director Thomas Puha, the game’s removal was planned in advance and is expected to last for a few weeks. He also assured fans that the game will be back soon and that existing owners can still play it without any problems.
“Quantum Break has been removed from some digital stores due to some music licenses expiring. This was expected and is only temporary. We are working on getting QB back as soon as possible. This does not affect those who already own the game. Sorry for any inconvenience.”
Quantum Break is a game that revolves around time manipulation and the consequences of a failed time-machine experiment. The game received positive reviews from critics and players, who praised its graphics, gameplay, presentation, performances, and story.
Don’t worry, Quantum Break will be coming back to Game Pass!
It is being temporarily removed due to some licenses that expired that were in the process of being renewed. We will let you know as soon as it is back. pic.twitter.com/xtuxVJuUAc
— Remedy Entertainment (@remedygames) April 4, 2023
Complexities of Licensing Music for Video Games
Music licensing is a complex process in the video game industry as games license songs for a specific amount of time. However, the game will be around forever, so developers have to renew license or replace songs.
Other games that have faced similar situations to Quantum Break include Alan Wake (also developed by Remedy), Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Mafia II, Forza Horizon 2, and more. Sometimes, developers and publishers may decide to remove or replace certain songs or soundtracks rather than renewing their licenses.
It is unclear when Quantum Break will be available again on the Xbox and Steam stores, but fans can still purchase physical copies of the game or download it from other platforms like Epic Games Store or Microsoft Store. Quantum Break is also included in Xbox Game Pass for console and PC subscribers.
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