the action platformer psychonauts 2 has emerged as one of the standout games of the past year, gaining widespread praise for its creativity and polish. a notable development in its lifecycle is the decision to remove the game from sale on russian steam after a publisher transition. with xbox game studios taking the helm, a microsoft-owned company, the update in ownership led to a halt on selling the game within russia, a move that reflects broader shifts in how games are distributed in the market and how licensing arrangements can affect availability across regions.
on steam, psychonauts 2 accumulated roughly six thousand user reviews, and an impressive ninety-seven percent of those responses were positive. critics and players alike lauded the game’s design, storytelling, and emotional resonance, highlighting how it builds on the quirky spirit of its predecessor while advancing mechanics and world-building in meaningful ways. the xbox series x version earned a strong 89 out of 100, and the pc version trailed slightly with an 87 out of 100, underscoring a high baseline performance across platforms even as developers refine optimization and accessibility features. with a growing fanbase and a robust critical reception, the title has solidified its status as a premier contemporary platformer in the eyes of many observers and players alike.
All screenshots from psychonauts 2 can be viewed here.
in recent months, microsoft implemented several strategic shifts affecting russian users and developers. reports indicated restrictions on testing new iterations of windows for russian customers, and toward the end of june the company confirmed the departure of all personnel from the russian xbox office. alongside these policy moves, media outlets highlighted a moment in which a globally beloved actor, keanu reeves, featured in a moody, atmospheric video inspired by a classic film, signaling the kind of cross-cultural collaborations and creative risk-taking that often accompany major franchise entries like psychonauts 2.
the broader context for these developments involves the interplay between publishers, regional regulations, and the distribution platforms that shape how players experience new titles. as the industry increasingly relies on multi-platform releases and simultaneous global launches, shifts in publisher ownership or regional governance can directly influence availability, pricing, and access in markets such as canada and the united states. this dynamic has prompted discussions among fans and industry watchers about consistency, licensing, and the responsibilities of creators and distributors when operating across diverse legal environments.
source: vg times