Gaming

EA Pulls the Plug on Anthem: Servers Shutting Down in 2026

Electronic Arts has announced the end of Anthem, BioWare’s ill-fated multiplayer action-RPG, with servers officially closing on January 12, 2026. The decision marks the final chapter for a game that struggled to recover from its rocky launch and abandoned reboot.

What’s Happening?

  • Server shutdown: Anthem will remain playable online for 180+ days (until Jan. 12, 2026).
  • No new purchases:
    • Removed from digital stores (EA Play, Steam, etc.) effective August 15, 2025.
    • Premium currency sales halted, but existing balances can still be used.
  • Post-shutdown: The game will be unplayable (no offline mode exists).

Why Now?

  • Long-abandoned project: EA/BioWare scrapped Anthem NEXT (a planned overhaul) in 2021 after failing to fix core issues.
  • Declining player base: Despite a cult following, the game never recovered from its 2019 launch woes (repetitive gameplay, bugs, lack of content).
  • BioWare’s focus shift: The studio is now prioritizing Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and Mass Effect 4.

Anthem’s Troubled Legacy

  • 2019 Launch: Criticized for shallow loot, empty open world, and technical issues.
  • 2020 Reboot Promise: BioWare pledged to “reinvent the core gameplay” under Anthem NEXT—but canceled it a year later.
  • Final Nail: EA’s shutdown confirms Anthem as one of gaming’s biggest missed opportunities.

Community Reaction

  • Disappointment but no surprise: Fans mourned the game’s potential, though many saw this coming.
  • Memorial efforts: Some players plan final squad missions before servers close.
  • Lessons learned? Anthem’s failure highlights risks of live-service overreach without a solid foundation.

What’s Next for BioWare?

  • Dragon Age: Dreadwolf (2024/25?) – Hoping to avoid Anthem’s mistakes.
  • Mass Effect 4 – Early development, but fans demand a return to single-player roots.

Final Farewell

While Anthem’s exosuit gameplay and art design had flashes of brilliance, its identity crisis (RPG? Looter-shooter?) and lack of post-launch vision doomed it. As servers wind down, it joins Marvel’s Avengers and Babylon’s Fall in the graveyard of failed live-service games.

For players:

  1. Squeeze in last flights before 2026.
  2. Save clips/screenshots—your Javelin’s legacy ends here.
  3. Hope BioWare’s next games learn from this.

william hart

I'm a tech content writer with 7 years of experience in technology, automotive topics, and electronic gaming. I specialize in creating clear, engaging, and SEO-friendly articles that simplify complex ideas for all types of readers. My passion for writing is fueled by a deep interest in innovation, whether it's the latest gadgets, cars, or video games. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and drawing—hobbies that inspire creativity and fresh perspectives in my content.

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