adminThe Total War: Shogun 2 remaster has been temporarily removed from sale after players raised concerns about visual quality and performance. Sega and Creative Assembly say they are investigating the problems and plan to restore the original game while they work on improvements. People who already own the new edition can still access and play it.
Image credit: Sega/Creative Assembly
Why the Total War: Shogun 2 remaster was withdrawn
Released on October 13 as Total War: Shogun 2 – Complete Edition, the updated release received overwhelmingly negative reviews on Steam. Player feedback focused on reported issues with AI-upscaled imagery and the game’s performance.
Some players pointed to unit cards and newly added cutscenes, saying that certain visuals contained unusual details. Examples included apparent extra fingers and armor that seemed to blend into characters’ bodies. These reports contributed to concerns about the quality of the remaster.
The Steam description says the game’s graphics technology was updated to use newer rendering methods, with improved graphics and textures as a result. For players considering a purchase, it is worth checking recent reviews and official updates before buying, especially while the release is being reviewed by its developers.
What Sega and Creative Assembly said
In a joint statement, the companies acknowledged that the current version did not meet the expectations of players or their own quality standards. They said they had reviewed feedback, comments, and user reviews, and agreed that the experience needed further work.
The publishers are coordinating with platform holders to take the game off sale temporarily. They also said they intend to make the original game available again while they investigate the reported issues. Existing owners are not expected to lose access during this process.
Sega and Creative Assembly said they are working with their development partner to identify the causes, make improvements, and bring Shogun 2 – Complete Edition in line with the quality players expect from the Total War series. No specific timetable for the investigation or changes was given in the statement.
Earlier questions about generative AI at Sega
The response comes after Sega faced criticism earlier in the year over generative AI use in Crazy Taxi: World Tour. Its Steam page disclosed that generative AI tools had been used during development as support for developers, with the stated aim of helping teams create content and focus on creative work.
Sega also said that generative AI tools supported the development of background assets and that the development team reviewed the generated assets. The company clarified that AI was not used in relation to the game’s performers.
What players should know
- New buyers: Check the game’s current store listing and recent official announcements, since its sales status may change.
- Existing owners: Sega and Creative Assembly said owners could continue to access and play the release.
- Players weighing in: Specific reports about graphics and performance can help developers identify problems, so clear descriptions and relevant system details are useful when submitting feedback.
Conclusion
The Total War: Shogun 2 remaster was taken off sale temporarily after negative player feedback highlighted visual and performance concerns. The companies say they are investigating, working on improvements, and planning to restore the original game during that process. Players should check official announcements for the latest information about availability and updates.
