Only Up! pulled from Steam, developer says it’ll be back (update: and now it is back)

Steam’s Brief Removal of Only Up!

The game Only Up! recently vanished from Steam’s listings, stirring up discussions and speculation among the gaming community. The sudden disappearance followed allegations of copyright infringement, although the specific reasons for its removal were not immediately clear.

Only Up! game artwork featuring disputed 3D model
The 3D character in this Only Up! image was used without permission, according to a digital artist
(Image credit: SCKRgames/Aboulicious)

Only Up! Returns to Steam

After a brief hiatus from the Steam store, Only Up! has made a comeback. Here are the key points regarding the game’s availability:

  • Only Up! was reinstated on Steam a few hours after its removal.
  • The game continues to be accessible for purchase and download.
  • Players who previously purchased the game can still access it in their Steam library.

For those interested in the game, you can find Only Up! on Steam.

Speculation Behind Only Up!’s Removal from Steam

The popular Twitch game Only Up! was unexpectedly delisted from Steam, leading to various theories about the cause. Below is a table detailing the game’s name and the speculated reason for its removal:

Game Name Speculated Reason for Delisting
Only Up! Possible copyright infringement

Developer Addresses Only Up!’s Steam Return

The developer behind Only Up! took to Twitter to address the game’s removal from Steam and assured fans of its imminent return. Shortly after, the game was indeed back on the platform.

Players looking to experience the challenging gameplay can find Only Up! once again on Steam.

Only Up! Gameplay and Twitch Popularity

Only Up! is a game that tests the limits of patience and skill, drawing inspiration from titles like Getting Over It and QWOP, as well as the Counter-Strike obstacle course map-making tradition. Its challenging platforming mechanics keep players on edge, often leading to sudden and humorous failures, which has made it a hit to watch on Twitch.

Despite receiving “Mixed” reviews on Steam, Only Up! has captivated a large audience on Twitch, boasting over 85,000 viewers at one point, making it one of the most watched games on the platform.

Allegations of Copyright Infringement Against Only Up!

Digital artist Aboulicious accused Only Up! of using one of their 3D models without proper authorization. The model in question, which depicts an anime-style character, was reportedly available for non-commercial use under Creative Commons, but its appearance in a commercial game like Only Up! raised legal concerns.

Disputed 3D model used in Only Up! game
The 3D model by Aboulicious allegedly used in Only Up! without permission
(Image credit: SCKRgames/Aboulicious)

Potential Causes for Only Up!’s Steam Delisting

Several theories have emerged regarding the delisting of Only Up! from Steam. While the use of unlicensed art or music could be a factor, there has also been speculation about the game’s in-game NFT promotion. However, Steam’s policies do not prohibit the mention of NFTs, only the issuance or exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs within games. Therefore, the NFT angle remains an unlikely reason for the game’s removal from the platform.

Inquiries Regarding Only Up!’s Delisting

PC Gamer has reached out to both Valve and the developers of Only Up! to shed light on the reasons behind the game’s delisting from Steam. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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Richard O'nelly

Richard O'Nelly is a seasoned technology writer with a flair for demystifying the latest digital trends. With expertise spanning software development, cybersecurity, and gadget reviews, Richard's articles and blogs offer a deep dive into the tech world. His clear, engaging writing style makes complex concepts accessible to a wide audience, inspiring both tech-savvy readers and newcomers to embrace the ever-evolving landscape of technology.