Capcom Cuts Lost Planet 2 Online Co-Op

Capcom has discreetly updated Lost Planet 2, removing the Games for Windows Live (GFWL) service. This effectively disables online functionality and renders previous save data inaccessible.

The news has surprised fans on the game's subreddit, especially given that Lost Planet 2 is fundamentally a multiplayer title. As noted in our 2010 review: "At its heart, it's a potentially excellent action game with impressive visuals. However, its poor explanation of mechanics, awkward structure, and frustrating checkpoint system often undermine the fun. It's also largely unplayable as a solo experience. While it delivers some standout moments, particularly during cooperative play, these highlights don't outweigh its flaws."

Losing save data is problematic, but the mention of it being "largely unplayable as a solo experience" is particularly relevant now. Without GFWL, Lost Planet 2 has lost a core component of its design.

"The entire appeal of the series is cooperative play," remarked one player. Another questioned: "…they removed online functionality from a game built for online co-op? It might as well be delisted from Steam."

Games for Windows Live was Microsoft's online gaming service. It offered features like Xbox achievements, online multiplayer, and cross-platform support but has since been discontinued. This leaves players of GFWL-dependent games facing extended login times or waiting for developer updates—a hope fans hold for Lost Planet 2, though its 15-year age makes such a fix uncertain.

On a positive note, new players are unaffected as Capcom has temporarily removed Lost Planet 2 from sale. A notice on its Steam store page states: "We are aware of an issue related to Games for Windows LIVE that some customers may encounter during installation. We are temporarily disabling purchases on Steam while we investigate. We will provide updates as the investigation progresses. Thank you for your patience."

Other Capcom titles, including Street Fighter x Tekken and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, show similar messages on Steam, indicating they are also impacted. However, some fans are hopeful this is a temporary situation. When Capcom previously removed GFWL from Resident Evil, the team reportedly replaced it with Steamworks multiplayer support.

We have reached out to Capcom for comment and will update if we receive a response.

Back in 2010, we found Lost Planet 2 to be an 'okay' experience upon release.