Warner Bros. Discovery's sudden removal of multiple Cartoon Network and Adult Swim games has sparked significant fan backlash. Several titles, including popular choices like Steven Universe: Save the Light and Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time, have been delisted from digital platforms like Steam and the Nintendo eShop. The publisher offered little explanation for this action, leaving fans unable to legally purchase these beloved games.
This delisting is part of a larger cost-cutting strategy by Warner Bros. Discovery, a parent company that has previously removed films from streaming services and shelved nearly completed projects. A similar mass delisting of Adult Swim games occurred in March 2024, though public outcry prevented the removal of some titles. This time, however, at least six Cartoon Network games were affected, with no prior warning given.
The delistings, as reported by Wario64 on Twitter, took effect on December 23rd, 2024. Affected titles include:
Adventure Time: Finn and Jake's Epic Quest Adventure Time: Magic Man's Head Games OK K.O.! Let's Play Heroes Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time Steven Universe: Save the Light Steven Universe: Unleash the Light
While some Cartoon Network games remain available, including Cartoon Network Journeys VR and Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake, the lack of explanation from Warner Bros. Discovery, Cartoon Network Games, and Adult Swim Games has fueled further frustration among fans. The removal of Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is particularly upsetting, as it contains the canonical conclusion to the show's final season.
The oldest game affected, Adventure Time: Finn and Jake's Epic Quest, debuted in April 2014. Other titles were released between 2018 and 2021. This latest wave of delistings follows a similar incident in March 2024, highlighting a pattern of concern for fans worried about the preservation of their favorite digital games. The lack of communication surrounding these decisions has only amplified the negative reaction.
