The original Max Payne and its sequel have been delisted in multiple regions on Steam, leading to speculation that the classic PS2-era third-person shooters are getting a remastered "Definitive Edition," similar to the recent Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition. Rockstar Games, developer of Max Payne 3 and owner of the IP, released its newest remastered GTA collection on November 11, allowing nostalgic players to re-experience its groundbreaking PS2 GTA trilogy with enhancements and improvements on modern platforms. Unfortunately, backlash began following its initial launch, with disappointed fans unhappy with its developer, Grove Street Games, for graphical glitches, poor performance, and a lack of polish.
Released two decades ago in 2001 and developed by Remedy Entertainment, Max Payne was a breakout hit, providing a third-person shooter experience combined with rich film noir-inspired storytelling and gunplay. Though considered a memorable timeless classic for their unique narrative and gameplay style, the games are now 20 years old, with their graphics reflecting this. Fans have been able to experience the adventures once again, with Xbox recently announcing that both PS2-era Max Payne titles are available via backwards compatibility, and can be played on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. While the classic games are likely to be popular with nostalgic players, their aged visuals may put off newer gamers.
On Reddit, user smolgote pointed out that both classic Max Payne titles were removed on Steam in multiple regions on November 4, and are no longer available in several places including Asia, and Latin America. Many have compared the situation to GTA, with Grand Theft Auto III (2001), Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002), and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) all being delisted ahead of the remaster's release. One content creator, Low Poly Depression, mocked the situation by pointing out the developers behind the maligned Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition, Grove Street Games (then known as War Drum), previously worked on Max Payne for mobile, suggesting that the infamous studio could be once again working on another remastered collection.
The Redditor who noted the games' removal didn't have an explanation for the phenomenon, and since there is no confirmation from Rockstar Games, rumors immediately began circulating that the developer is preparing for another remastered "Definitive Edition," this time for the Max Payne series. Due to the negativity surrounding the GTA Trilogy, some fans aren't pleased with the idea, with many having lost hope in any potential future remasters from Rockstar. Most of the comments seen on the post are overwhelmingly negative, with players expressing concern over what the games' removal could mean.
The original Max Payne and its sequel could benefit from new versions, as getting both the first and second games to run without making major tweaks to the games' files on PC is an arduous process. That being said, completely remastering the titles could hurt the original grimy aesthetic and charm that its PS2 graphics helped characterize. The quiet removal of the original two Max Payne titles and Rockstar's plans have yet to be announced, but a definitive answer will hopefully be provided soon.