The Return of Ruse: A 2010 RTS Classic Reborn on Steam

After disappearing from Steam in 2015 due to expiring license rights, Ruse, the acclaimed World War II real-time strategy game developed by Eugen Systems, has made a surprising comeback. Originally published by Ubisoft, the game was removed from digital storefronts just five years after its 2010 debut. Now, over a decade later, Eugen Systems has regained control and re-released the game with all previously released DLC, technical updates, and Steam Deck support. Below, we answer key questions about this unexpected return of a beloved RTS.

What is Ruse and why was it taken down from Steam?

Ruse is a World War II real-time strategy game developed by Eugen Systems and originally published by Ubisoft in 2010. It earned an 84% review score from us at the time, praised for its unique take on the RTS genre with a focus on deception and large-scale warfare. In 2015, Ubisoft removed the game from Steam due to expiring license rights—likely involving third-party content or trademarks. This left players unable to purchase or get support for the game, despite its dedicated fanbase.

The Return of Ruse: A 2010 RTS Classic Reborn on Steam — Source: www.pcgamer.com

How did Ruse come back to Steam after more than 10 years?

In a surprise move, Eugen Systems announced the re-release in early 2025. According to the developer, the game no longer belonged to them after Ubisoft's publishing deal. They stated: "While we developed and launched Ruse in 2010, the game didn't officially belong to us." Recently, Eugen Systems secured the rights to bring Ruse back into their own catalog. They now serve as both developer and publisher, with Ubisoft completely out of the picture. While the exact deal remains unclear, it's speculated that Ubisoft's ongoing financial troubles allowed Eugen to reclaim the rights at a favorable price. The re-release is not a remaster but the original game with added extras.

What improvements does the re-released version of Ruse include?

The re-released Ruse includes all previously released DLC at no extra cost, along with various technical updates. While Eugen Systems hasn't detailed all changes, the game now supports Steam Deck verification, ensuring smooth play on Valve's handheld. Other technical updates likely improve stability and compatibility with modern systems, though the core game remains a 2010 RTS—no remastered graphics or major overhauls. Old saves and replays are preserved but require switching to a Compatibility Branch (accessible via Steam properties) to avoid crashes.

How much does Ruse cost and what do users think of the price?

Ruse is priced at $30 / £26.49 / €30. Some gamers have complained that a 2010 title shouldn't cost that much, especially without a full remaster. However, the value includes all DLC and modern compatibility fixes. More importantly, user reviews since re-release are overwhelmingly positive: out of 199 reviews, 197 are positive and only 2 negative. That ratio speaks volumes about the game's enduring quality and fan satisfaction.

What about existing owners? Do they get the updates for free?

Yes! If you already own the original Ruse on Steam, the re-release updates and all DLC are free. Because this is not a remaster but a simple re-release, previous owners automatically receive the new version without additional cost. However, old save files and replays won't work in the default version to prevent crashes. To access them, select the Compatibility Branch in Steam's game properties. This ensures long-time players can continue their progress seamlessly.

What is the current user review status on Steam?

Since its return, Ruse has garnered an overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam. As of the re-release, there are 197 positive reviews against just 2 negative ones. While the total review count isn't massive, the ratio is exceptional. Players praise the game's strategic depth, unique deception mechanics, and the nostalgic return of a classic RTS. The positive reception underscores why many consider Ruse one of the best WW2 strategy games of its era.

What happened to Ubisoft's involvement and how did Eugen Systems regain rights?

Ubisoft was the original publisher for Ruse but is now completely absent from the re-release; Eugen Systems is listed as both developer and publisher. The exact circumstances of the rights transfer are not public, but given Ubisoft's recent financial struggles and restructuring, it's likely Eugen was able to acquire the rights at a bargain. This allowed them to bypass previous distribution constraints and directly support players who had been asking for help for years. The return of Ruse demonstrates how developers sometimes reclaim their older titles when publishers lose interest or face economic pressure.

For more classic strategy games, check out our list of best PC games and upcoming 2026 games.

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