Abandonware Games that Deserve a Steam Release

Some classics are trapped in legal limbo, delisted storefronts, or old discs that barely run on modern PCs—even though demand to play them clearly hasn’t gone away. Below are twenty notable games that aren’t currently available on Steam yet would benefit from a proper, easy-to-run release. For each, you’ll find the basics that matter: what it is, when it came out, the studio that built it, and the company that published it. No nostalgia goggles—just the key info that explains why these missing titles still come up whenever people talk about lost favorites.

‘The Operative: No One Lives Forever’ (2000)

A first-person stealth-shooter starring spy Cate Archer, this game blended gadgets, disguises, and globe-trotting levels. It was developed by Monolith Productions and originally published by Fox Interactive, with Sierra Studios involved in distribution. The PC release used the LithTech engine and supported multiplayer modes alongside a lengthy campaign. Its licensing rights remain tangled between multiple companies, which has complicated any modern rerelease.

‘No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.’s Way’ (2002)

The sequel expanded stealth options, melee, and gadgetry across larger, more open-ended missions. Monolith Productions developed it and Sierra Entertainment published it under Vivendi Universal Games. The game featured cooperative play, new enemy types, and enhanced visuals on an updated LithTech engine. As with the first game, unclear ownership and trademarks have stalled digital distribution.

‘SWAT 4’ (2005)

A tactical first-person shooter focused on rules of engagement and non-lethal tools, this entry emphasized command-based teamwork. It was developed by Irrational Games and published by Vivendi Universal Games under the Sierra label. The game shipped with a robust single-player campaign and competitive/co-op multiplayer, plus official expansion content. While it’s available on some platforms, it has never had a straightforward Steam release.

‘The Simpsons: Hit & Run’ (2003)

This open-world action game let players drive and explore familiar Springfield locations across mission-based chapters. It was developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games. Multiple playable characters, vehicle upgrades, and collectibles supported a substantial campaign on PC and consoles. Music, voice acting, and licensed IP rights have been cited over the years as obstacles to a modern digital relaunch.

‘Jet Set Radio Future’ (2002)

A stylish action game set in a cel-shaded Tokyo-to, this follow-up emphasized inline skating, tagging, and rhythmic traversal. It was developed by Smilebit and published by Sega for the original Xbox. The game introduced larger hubs, trick chaining, and more varied mission objectives compared to its predecessor. Music licensing and platform exclusivity have likely hindered a PC release to date.

‘Skies of Arcadia’ (2000)

A turn-based RPG known for airship exploration and discovery, this title combined classic party combat with sky-island navigation. It was developed by Overworks (Sega AM7) and published by Sega, with an expanded GameCube version released later. Systems included ship-to-ship battles, crew recruitment, and a discovery log rewarding exploration. Rights and the absence of a modern PC port have kept it off Steam.

‘Black & White’ (2001)

This “god game” mixed village management with creature training and gesture-based miracles. It was developed by Lionhead Studios and published by Electronic Arts. The game’s AI-driven creature learned behaviors from player actions, creating unique outcomes across playthroughs. Technical quirks and rights ownership have prevented an official digital PC reissue on Steam.

‘Black & White 2’ (2005)

The sequel expanded city building, army control, and miracle systems while retaining the trainable creature concept. It was developed by Lionhead Studios and published by Electronic Arts. New mechanics included land conquest, moral alignment consequences, and larger-scale warfare. Despite demand, it has not been re-released on Steam alongside other strategy classics.

‘The Movies’ (2005)

A management sim about running a Hollywood studio, this game let players build lots, develop scripts, and “direct” scenes in an in-engine editor. It was developed by Lionhead Studios and published by Activision. Players hired actors, tracked star moods, and exported custom films using in-game sets and props. Licensing and the shuttering of the original online features have left it without a modern Steam version.

‘MechCommander’ (1998)

A real-time tactics game set in the BattleTech universe, it emphasized pre-mission loadouts and salvage-driven progression. It was developed by FASA Interactive and originally published by MicroProse. The release featured campaign operations, permadeath risk for pilots, and a focus on line-of-sight and terrain. Although Microsoft later released files publicly, there’s no official Steam build with modern OS support.

‘MechCommander 2’ (2001)

This follow-up introduced a new 3D engine, expanded mech customization, and a multi-faction campaign. It was developed by FASA Interactive and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The title added destructible environments and refined heat, armor, and component management systems. Despite source assets having been made available at one point, a maintained Steam release is still absent.

‘Aliens versus Predator 2’ (2001)

A three-campaign FPS, it let players experience Marine, Alien, and Predator storylines with distinct mechanics. It was developed by Monolith Productions and published by Sierra On-Line/Sierra Entertainment. Multiplayer modes supported asymmetric abilities, vision modes, and species-specific arsenals. Rights transitions across multiple companies have kept a modern PC storefront version off Steam.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth’ (2004)

An RTS based on the film trilogy, it featured faction-specific units, hero leveling, and territory control. It was developed by EA Los Angeles and published by Electronic Arts. The game used film licenses for music, voice lines, and visuals, and included skirmish and multiplayer modes. The expiration of license agreements has prevented an official Steam return.

‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena’ (2009)

A combined package that included an enhanced edition of ‘Escape from Butcher Bay’, this stealth-shooter hybrid emphasized shadows and melee. It was developed by Starbreeze Studios with Tigon Studios and published by Atari. The release featured a full campaign and multiplayer options with unique mode variants. Rights and delisting have kept it from an easy-to-purchase Steam version.

‘The Godfather’ (2006)

An open-world action game adapting the film’s setting, it focused on territory takeovers, rackets, and a player-created enforcer rising through the Corleone ranks. It was developed by EA Redwood Shores (later Visceral Games) and published by Electronic Arts. Mission structure blended story scenes with free-roam extortion, businesses, and family upgrades, plus a “Blackhand” melee system on PC and consoles. Licensing around the movie property and long-delisted digital versions have left it without a current Steam release.

‘Blur’ (2010)

This combat racer combined realistic cars with power-ups, lap-based circuits, and online progression. It was developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Activision. Modes included team racing, objective variants, and a social hub that supported custom playlists and challenges. Delisting and studio closure mean there’s no current Steam option.

‘Driver: San Francisco’ (2011)

An open-world driving game notable for its instant “shift” mechanic that let players switch between vehicles on the fly. It was developed by Ubisoft Reflections and published by Ubisoft. The release featured a single-player campaign, challenges, and multiplayer playlists. Licensing (especially music) and store removals have kept the PC version off Steam in recent years.

‘Need for Speed: Underground’ (2003)

A street-racing entry focused on tuner culture, circuit events, and deep visual customization. It was developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. The career mode introduced sponsorships, parts unlocks, and drag/sprint time trials. Music and brand licensing, plus catalog shifts, have left it unavailable on Steam.

‘Need for Speed: Underground 2’ (2004)

This sequel added an explorable hub city, expanded car lists, and more tuning systems. It was developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. Event types broadened to include URL circuits, off-road variants, and comprehensive audio/visual upgrades. Like its predecessor, licensing and legacy catalog issues have blocked a modern Steam release.

‘Test Drive Unlimited’ (2006)

A large-scale open-road racer set on Oʻahu, it mixed MMO-like features with free-roam driving and property ownership. It was developed by Eden Games and published by Atari. The game supported online lobbies, car dealerships, and persistent progression across hundreds of miles of roads. Server dependencies and delisting have kept it from a current Steam presence.

Tell us which absent classics you most want to see return—drop your picks and reasons in the comments!