Warner Bros. Discovery's sudden removal of multiple Cartoon Network and Adult Swim games has sparked significant player backlash. Without explanation, several titles have been delisted from digital storefronts like Steam and the Nintendo eShop. This action affects popular and critically acclaimed games, leaving fans unable to legally purchase them.
At least six games have been removed, including Adventure Time: Finn and Jake's Epic Quest, Adventure Time: Magic Man's Head Games, OK K.O.! Let's Play Heroes, Steven Universe: Save the Light, Steven Universe: Unleash the Light, and Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time. Each game's storefront listing simply states the removal effective December 23rd, 2024, with no further explanation from Cartoon Network Games or Adult Swim Games.
This delisting follows a pattern of cost-cutting measures by Warner Bros. Discovery, including shelving films and removing content from streaming services. A similar incident in March 2024 saw the delisting of several Adult Swim games, though some were later reinstated due to public outcry. The lack of communication surrounding this latest removal is particularly frustrating for fans, especially regarding Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time, whose removal effectively cuts off access to the canonical conclusion of the show's fifth season.
The oldest title removed, Adventure Time: Finn and Jake's Epic Quest, debuted in April 2014. Other affected games were released in 2018 (Steven Universe: Save the Light, OK K.O.! Let's Play Heroes) and 2021 (Steven Universe: Unleash the Light). Interestingly, some Cartoon Network titles remain available, such as Cartoon Network Journeys VR and Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake, along with the soundtrack for OK K.O.! Let's Play Heroes.
The lack of transparency from Warner Bros. Discovery, Cartoon Network Games, and Adult Swim Games regarding the reasons for these delistings continues to fuel fan anger and disappointment.