Capcom Removes GFWL from Lost Planet 2, Disabling Online Co-Op

Capcom has made a quiet but significant change to Lost Planet 2, removing the Games for Windows Live (GFWL) integration. This move effectively disables the game’s online functionality and renders previous save data inaccessible, leaving fans of the series shocked and disappointed. The subreddit community, where many players congregate, has expressed frustration over this decision, especially since Lost Planet 2 is fundamentally a multiplayer-focused game.

In our 2010 review, we noted that while the game had potential as an action title, its poor design choices, including unclear explanations and inconsistent checkpoint systems, detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, the review highlighted that the game struggled as a single-player experience, with multiplayer modes being the real highlight. Without GFWL, the essential co-op element that defines the series has been lost.

One frustrated player commented, "The whole point of the series is co-op. They might as well have deleted the game from Steam." Another added incredulously, "They just got rid of the online functionality in a game meant for cooperative play."

GFWL was Microsoft's online service, offering features like Xbox achievements and cross-platform multiplayer. While it once served as a key component for many games, it has since been deprecated, leading developers to either adapt or abandon titles that rely on it. Gamers are hopeful that Capcom will address this issue, though given the game's age—15 years since its release—the likelihood of updates seems slim.

Fortunately, this change doesn’t impact new players, as Lost Planet 2 has been removed from Steam’s available titles. Capcom posted a notice on the Steam store page, stating they are investigating issues related to GFWL and temporarily disabling purchases until the matter is resolved.

Other Capcom titles, such as Street Fighter x Tekken and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, have faced similar challenges. Fans remain optimistic, recalling that Capcom managed to replace GFWL with Steamworks multiplayer in Resident Evil. We’ve reached out to Capcom for further comments and will update you as soon as we hear more.

Back in 2010, we found Lost Planet 2 to be a decent game, but it’s clear that its reliance on GFWL has now left it in a difficult position.