Why Star Trek: Resurgence Is Leaving Steam Forever

Just three years after its initial launch, Star Trek: Resurgence is poised for permanent removal from digital storefronts. Released in May 2023 as a narrative-driven adventure reminiscent of classic Telltale Games titles, the game earned high praise for blending dramatic storytelling with meaningful player choices. Our reviewer specifically called it "the perfect mash-up of dramatic Star Trek storytelling and Telltale-style decision making." However, fans who haven't yet purchased the title must act quickly, as the game is set to be delisted forever soon.

Spotting the announcement first was BlueSky user LewieP, who noticed a brief notice on Steam published with minimal fanfare. The notice confirms that the license to distribute Star Trek: Resurgence has come to an end, meaning the game will no longer be offered for sale. While the exact delisting date remains unconfirmed in the official statement, it is widely speculated that removal will coincide with the game's third anniversary.

The License Expiry and Future Availability

The announcement on Steam states clearly: "Our license to distribute Star Trek: Resurgence has come to an end, so the game will no longer be offered for sale." Despite this grim update for new buyers, the notice offers a silver lining for current owners. Existing customers can continue to access the game via their Steam library, ensuring that those who already bought it won't lose their progress or ability to play.

The publisher has thanked the community with a final sign-off: "Thanks to everyone who was able to enjoy the game! LLAP!" I have reached out to publisher Bruner House for further details regarding whether this license might be renewed in the future, but no response has been confirmed yet. Until then, speculation continues to swirl around the specific date of removal.

  • Current Status: Still available on Steam as of writing
  • Xbox Version: Already delisted according to users on Reddit and Resetera
  • Release History: Launched May 23, 2023; arrived on Steam in 2024 after an Epic Games Store exclusivity window

Given the timeline, I would hazard a guess that the delisting will occur on May 23, exactly three years after its initial release date of May 23, 2023. The game's arrival on Steam was delayed until 2024 due to an Epic Games Store exclusivity period, which adds another layer to this complex distribution history.

A Short Shelf Life for Star Trek Titles?

This delisting aligns with a troubling trend of Star Trek games having a short shelf life in recent years. For instance, Star Trek: Bridge Crew lasted five years before it was also pulled from sale. Even more notably, the poorly received third-person shooter released in 2013 vanished just three years after launch, never to return (though some grey market key sellers still seem to have copies available).

Despite the loss of Resurgence, fans are not entirely out of luck. There remain heaps of Star Trek games on Steam for players to explore, ranging from Interplay's classic FMV-laden Starfleet Academy to the nostalgic 1992 point 'n' click adventure. These titles offer a chance to experience the franchise's rich history while waiting to see if Resurgence might find a new home later.

Behind the Scenes: The Telltale Connection

Dramatic Labs, the developer behind Star Trek: Resurgence, was founded by former Telltale Games CEO Kevin Bruner. Along with other alumni from the studio responsible for hits like The Walking Dead and A Wolf Among Us, Bruner established a new entity to bring narrative depth back to gaming. The publisher, Bruner House, was also founded by Kevin Bruner, marking a significant return of talent known for emotional storytelling.

However, neither concern has announced a follow-up title following the 2023 release of Resurgence. As the license expires and the game prepares for delisting, the industry watches to see if this marks a new chapter or a quiet end for Bruner's latest venture in the Star Trek universe.