Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that its online multiplayer action role-playing game, Anthem, will be shutting down entirely, becoming unplayable starting next year. Since its initial release, Anthem has faced a series of challenges that have impacted its player base and ongoing development. This upcoming closure marks a significant milestone for the title and reflects the evolving priorities within EA’s portfolio. In this article, we examine the factors leading to Anthem’s shutdown, the timeline for its discontinuation, and the broader implications for the game’s community and future of online service-based games.
EA’s Anthem Shutting Down Entirely Will Be Unplayable Starting Next Year
Electronic Arts has confirmed that the popular online multiplayer game will lose all server support, making it completely unplayable from next year onwards. This decision impacts every platform currently hosting the game, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Players will no longer be able to access multiplayer features, matchmaking, or any online content integral to the game’s experience. Offline solo play modes will also be disabled, signaling a full termination of the service rather than a partial shutdown. EA’s announcement underscores the growing challenges of maintaining live-service titles and the delicate balance between ongoing support and operational viability.
Before the shutdown, players are encouraged to take note of the following:
- Save Progress: Back up any personal game data or achievements that might be linked to your account.
- In-Game Purchases: Unused in-game currency or items will become inaccessible after the closure.
- Community Engagement: Join official forums or social media groups to stay connected with fellow players until the game goes offline.
Below is a brief timeline of the shutdown process:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Q4 2024 | Final update and community notifications |
| Early 2025 | Server shutdown and game disables |
Implications for Current Players and Impact on the Gaming Community
Current players of EA’s Anthem face an immediate period of adjustment as the shutdown means all access to the game’s servers will cease-effectively making the game unplayable. This creates challenges, especially for those invested heavily in their characters, gear, and in-game progress. Gamers should consider exporting any available data or screenshots documenting their achievements, as these digital memories will soon be inaccessible. Furthermore, ongoing community events, updates, or planned expansions are now indefinitely halted, leaving players without the anticipated content roadmap they had relied on.
The impact on the wider gaming community extends beyond just the player base. Anthem’s closure signals a broader conversation about the lifecycle of live-service games and their sustainability in today’s market. This situation underscores critical issues such as server dependency and ownership of digital assets, which both players and developers must navigate moving forward. Key takeaways for the community include:
- Awareness: Recognizing the transient nature of online games with server-based content.
- Value Shift: Appreciating offline or single-player titles where ownership is more permanent.
- Community Unity: Fostering fan forums and social groups to keep the spirit alive beyond official support.
- Developer Responsibility: Encouraging transparent communication and transitional support for players during shutdowns.
Preserving Game Data and Exploring Alternative Titles
For players concerned about losing progress and achievements, it’s important to note that EA will be discontinuing all game servers, eliminating any online functionality. However, some offline data-such as local save files and profiles-may still be accessible on a player’s own device. We recommend creating backups of these files promptly to avoid any irreversible data loss once the shutdown date arrives. While new content and multiplayer features will no longer be available, preserving your personal game history is feasible through manual data management.
For those seeking a similar experience, exploring alternative game titles can offer fresh and engaging gameplay. Below is a concise list of noteworthy action RPGs that share thematic or mechanical elements with Anthem, providing diverse options for players looking to transition:
- Destiny 2 – A robust multiplayer shooter with expansive worlds and ongoing content updates.
- Warframe – Free-to-play cooperative action with dynamic combat and customization.
- Borderlands 3 – Combines looter-shooter mechanics with a humorous narrative style.
- Monster Hunter: World – Emphasizes cooperative hunting and gear progression in massive ecosystems.
| Game Title | Primary Features | Platform Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Destiny 2 | Multiplayer FPS, Expansive Lore | PC, Xbox, PlayStation |
| Warframe | Co-op PvE, Customizable Characters | PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch |
| Borderlands 3 | Looter Shooter, Story-Driven | PC, Xbox, PlayStation |
| Monster Hunter: World | Co-op Hunting, Gear Upgrades | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
Recommendations for Players Transitioning Away from Anthem
Players looking to move on from Anthem have several avenues to explore that can help ease the transition while keeping the spirit of action-packed, cooperative gameplay alive. Consider diversifying your gaming library with titles that emphasize squad-based missions and dynamic combat mechanics. Popular alternatives include games like Destiny 2, which offers robust multiplayer campaigns and rich lore, or Warframe, known for its fluid parkour and customizable loadouts. Engaging with community forums and social platforms dedicated to these games can also enrich your experience and help you find new teammates.
Additionally, managing your digital assets from Anthem, such as screenshots, videos, and achievements, is crucial before the shutdown. It’s advisable to back up any personal content you wish to keep. Below is a quick checklist to guide this process:
- Export screenshots and gameplay clips: Save memories to local storage or cloud platforms.
- Check for rewards or gifts: Ensure any game-specific bonuses or linked account perks are redeemed.
- Stay informed: Follow EA’s official channels for updates on any new projects or potential Anthem-inspired games.
In conclusion, the shutdown of EA’s Anthem marks the end of a chapter for both the developer and its player community. As the game becomes unplayable starting next year, fans will need to bid farewell to the world and experiences it offered. While the decision underscores the challenges faced in maintaining live service titles, it also highlights the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. Moving forward, players and creators alike will look towards new opportunities and innovations as the market continues to develop.