EA to Permanently Shut Down Anthem Servers in 2026—What This Means for Players and the Future of Online Gaming

Bioware’s Anthem Faces Permanent Shutdown in Early 2026

Electronic Arts (EA) has officially announced the upcoming termination of Anthem's online services, marking another major departure in the history of persistent online games. Bioware’s ambitious third-person shooter will be rendered unplayable forever as EA plans to take its servers offline on January 12, 2026. Anthem, which was first released in 2019, requires a constant online connection, meaning that server shutdown will effectively erase all access to the game and its content.

 

Game Delisting and Monetization Changes

In preparation for the closure, EA has already removed the option to purchase premium in-game currency—a key component of Anthem’s monetization model. Furthermore, the game is scheduled to be delisted from EA Play on August 15, 2024. Existing owners, or those who buy Anthem before the delisting date, will still be able to play until the final server shutdown. This approach mirrors previous industry trends for sunsetting online-only titles, raising ongoing questions about digital preservation and game ownership in the modern gaming industry.

 

A Look Back: Anthem’s Reception, Features, and Market Impact

Anthem entered the market as one of the first online PvE shooters outside the traditional MMORPG landscape. Despite cutting-edge graphics, advanced flight mechanics via exosuits known as Javelins, and a shared-world experience, Anthem struggled to compete with multiplayer giants like Destiny 2, Overwatch, and Fortnite. The game received criticism for its repetitive missions and lackluster narrative, preventing it from reaching the blockbuster status EA had envisioned.

 

Studio Shifts and Industry Implications

While EA claims that shelving Anthem did not immediately result in job losses, the company previously laid off several Bioware developers, including Dragon Age veterans, in early 2024. These internal changes reflect EA’s broader strategic shift towards their upcoming Mass Effect project, underlining the fast-paced evolution in game development priorities.

 

Lessons for the Online Gaming Industry

Anthem’s sunset underscores the transient nature of online-only games and the importance of digital game preservation. For tech professionals and gamers alike, it raises critical discussions about the lifecycle of live-service titles, consumer rights, and the ongoing responsibilities of publishers in the rapidly changing landscape of digital entertainment.