BioWare‘s shared-world action RPG, Anthem, is officially going offline after a troubled lifespan marked by unfulfilled promises.Electronic Arts announced this week that Anthem‘s servers will be shut down on January 26, 2023, bringing an end to teh game just under four years after its initial release in February 2019. The move concludes a long period of declining player interest and failed attempts to revitalize the title, serving as a key example of the challenges facing modern “games-as-a-service” advancement.
One of the most troubled game launches in recent memory has come to a definitive end.
BioWare’s Anthem will have its servers shut down, effectively making the game unplayable. This marks the close of a chapter widely seen as a cautionary tale of unrealized potential.
The game will be completely disconnected from its online services, rendering it inaccessible to players as it requires a constant server connection. The decision concludes a multi-year period of gradual decline for the project.
Anthem, developed by BioWare, debuted with significant ambition but quickly faced criticism for a lack of content, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues. While a substantial overhaul, known as Anthem Next, was initially announced, the project was ultimately canceled.
The shutdown also reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry. Games reliant on a persistent online model are entirely dependent on publisher decisions, and in this case, Electronic Arts has chosen to end support for the title. This highlights the risks inherent in the “games-as-a-service” model.
For many players, Anthem will serve as a warning about the risks associated with online-only games. The title, intended to be the foundation of a new franchise, ultimately stands as an example of how ambitious visions can falter in the face of production realities.
