Only Up!, which skyrocketed in popularity after its May 2023 launch, has been unexpectedly removed from the Steam store. The game had become a sensation on Twitch, even grabbing the attention of well-known streamers like IShowSpeed. Despite its rise to prominence, its developer, Indiesolodev, pulled it from the platform with no plans for its return.
Indiesolodev made his entry into game development with Only Up!, which had reached peak viewership on Twitch after its May launch but started to decline in July. The game had amassed ‘Mostly Positive’ reviews on Steam, although some users pointed out the game’s glitchy physics and hastily put-together design. The game was not without controversy, having been removed previously for allegedly using stolen assets and also for its promotion of NFTs in the form of Goblintown tokens within the game.
In a post shared on Steam’s community forum, Indiesolodev revealed that the game had put him under significant stress since its release. “What I need now is pealing of mind and healing,” he stated, adding that he intends to pause and focus on furthering his education in game design. Looking to the future, the developer is setting his sights on a new project named “Kith,” a title he suggests will diverge significantly from Only Up! in terms of game mechanics and cinematography. Unlike his debut, this new game is planned to be a collaborative project, perhaps to mitigate the stress associated with running a game solo.
It’s worth noting that, despite its abrupt removal and the cloud of controversies surrounding it, Only Up! was a financial triumph. It was priced at a modest $6 and managed to generate an astonishing $2.6 million in gross revenue during its short lifespan on Steam.
For gamers who are concerned about the fate of their purchase, there’s no need to worry. If you bought Only Up! before its delisting, you will still have access to the game in your Steam library, ready to play and download whenever you like.
The sudden disappearance of Only Up! has left the gaming community stunned and filled with questions about what led to such a drastic measure. While its developer focuses on healing and education, the gaming world is left to ponder the rapid rise and fall of a game that could have been a lasting sensation.