A new update for BioShock: The Collection on Steam has added a 2K store launcher to the remastered version of the three iconic BioShock games. Publisher 2K Games calls it a 'Quality of Life' update.

Long-time fans of the BioShock series must have raised eyebrows when the collection of remastered BioShock games received its first update in over five years earlier this week. The new update, unexpectedly, now forces players through a 2K store launcher to start the game from Steam.

Publisher 2K Games titled the change a 'Quality of Life' update in patch notes, but Steam users were less optimistic about the change. The update was met with fierce criticism, even causing the games to drop to Steam's 'Mixed' rating from 'Very positive' in the recent reviews category, at least at the time of writing.

The unexpected update is interesting from a broader perspective because it is unclear whether an unannounced addition of additional game launchers is permitted under Steam terms. The collection's store pages also do not mention additional launchers being required.

The original BioShock releases are not affected by the new update and are still available for purchase on Steam, bundled with BioShock: The Collection.