Home
/
AAA games
/
Franchise updates
/

Shogun 2 complete edition: cash grab hurts modders

Shogun 2 Complete Edition | Modders React to Controversial Delisting

By

Marcus Huang

Sep 18, 2026, 05:00 PM

Edited By

James Lee

Updated

Sep 19, 2026, 04:18 AM

2 minutes of duration

Cover art of Shogun 2 Complete Edition showcasing samurai and battle scenes
popular

The gaming community is in an uproar following Creative Assembly's choice to delist the original Shogun 2: Total War from Steam, a decision made public on September 18, 2026. This controversy has raised alarms about the future of the modding community and what it means for people who have invested in the original game.

The Financial Hit

By removing the original game from digital storefronts, players are now forced to buy the Complete Edition at a hefty price of $40, a massive hike from its previous price of $5.99. This strategy has raised accusations of a cash grab, especially since existing mods could become unusable with this new version. The sentiment among modders is that projects such as Rise of Empires and Last Alliance could be stalled indefinitely.

"Theyโ€™re actively killing off what made the game popular," said an outspoken gamer, echoing a shared frustration.

Community Backlash

Responses from the player base range from frustration to anger, as many believe this move undermines significant community contributions over the years. Users expressed similar concerns across various forums, highlighting ongoing issues with modding for Creative Assembly's titles.

Interestingly, some players have pointed out that the transition to 64-bit technology opens up new possibilities for modders, despite the current upheaval.

Key Community Insights

  • New Challenges for Modders: One comment emphasized historical issues in modding Shogun 2, stating, "It's hard for games to be more annoying to mod for than Shogun 2 as it is now."

  • Incompatibility Drama: Another remarked on the community aspect: "Old mods will not work with the new version. That means old mods are left behind."

  • Calls for Better Support: A common plea across forums is for Creative Assembly to reconsider its support for original versions, an essential component for historical preservation.

Sentiment Analysis

While some users are cautiously optimistic about potential graphical upgrades, the overall sentiment is predominantly negative. Many feel this decision threatens longstanding community contributions and diminishes the essence of the gaming experience.

Key Takeaways

  • โ˜… The Complete Edition is priced at $40, a considerable jump.

  • โ˜… The original game has been delisted, complicating mod use.

  • โ˜… Players fear this will irreparably harm the modding landscape.

"Itโ€™s infuriating that the burden is automatically put on them to fix it," one modder expressed, showcasing widespread concern.

Is This the End for Old Mods?

Creative Assembly is facing escalating pressure from its dedicated player base to enhance communication and support for the original version. If the discontent continues, we may see a concerted effort from players on forums to advocate for development patches that would ensure compatibility with beloved mods.

The heated discussions surrounding Shogun 2 have drawn parallels to other industries grappling with retention of legacy content. As Shogun 2 players continue to voice their dissatisfaction and rally for change, only time will tell if Creative Assembly will adapt to the community's needs or risk losing its hard-fought legacy in the process.