John Wick Hex will be withdrawn from sale from 17 July: when licence is more important than content
John Wick Hex, a tactical game released in 2020 by Bithell Games, will be removed from digital shops on 17 July 2025. After this date, only those who have already purchased it - via Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store or Nintendo eShop - will be able to buy it.
Here's What We Know
The publication of the removal was made by the publisher itself - Big Fan Games. This is likely due to the expiration of the intellectual property licence for the John Wick franchise, although there is no official comment from Big Fan Games or Lionsgate.
For digital platforms, a move like this isn't just about removing a product. It's a reminder of how fragile content rights are. On the one hand, the platform gains stability - without the assortment being weighed down by outdated licences. On the other, users are left with fewer and fewer options to legally purchase games that are even technically available.
Technology companies should take note: the term of the licence now affects the life of the product. This means that the digital storefront needs to be rethought - otherwise it will resemble a temporary warehouse rather than a library.
For now, owners of John Wick Hex retain access to download and install, but a new generation of players will be left with a scrap of intellectual history. The game is leaving silently - like John Wick himself. Only now it's become the rule: licence expired - content gone. Platforms are increasingly scouring catalogues like mercenaries under contract.
Source: Big Fan Games
