EA to Shut Down Anthem in 2026: The End of the Failed Live Service Shooter

Anthem to Sunset: EA and BioWare Announce Server Shutdown

In a recent announcement, EA and BioWare revealed that the online multiplayer game Anthem will officially go offline on January 12, 2026. This closure marks the end of a journey for the title, which launched in 2019 and has struggled to find its footing since.

Interestingly, many gaming enthusiasts were surprised to learn that Anthem is still operational. Feedback from the community indicates a widespread belief that the servers had already been discontinued.

This shutdown signals the dwindling opportunity for players who wish to revisit Anthem, a game that has been critiqued for not aligning with BioWare’s strengths. Despite the game’s aesthetic appeal, it is evident that the developers grappled with a vision that ultimately did not resonate with its audience.

The Mixed Reception of Anthem

Upon its release, Anthem experienced significant challenges, leading to a mixed reception. Although certain features, notably the flight mechanics, received praise and left lasting impressions on players, the game as a whole failed to meet expectations. BioWare’s departure from their traditional storytelling and RPG roots was palpable, as the team attempted to navigate through an unfamiliar genre.

Attempts to rescue Anthem included the development of an ambitious redesign, dubbed Anthem 2.0, which was abruptly halted in 2021. Since then, the game has seemingly languished in obscurity, with few players actively engaging with it.

Official Statement from EA

In their official blog post, EA addressed the situation head-on, stating:

“We have an important update to share regarding Anthem. After careful consideration, we will be sunsetting Anthem on January 12, 2026. This means that the game will still be playable online for the next 180+ days. As of today, you can no longer purchase in-game premium currency, but you can still use your remaining balance until the servers go offline. We deeply appreciate your dedication, passion, and support over the years, and we’d like to thank you for that.”

As it stands, players have approximately 193 days remaining to experience Anthem before the servers cease operations for good. For those interested, this closing chapter of Anthem is soon approaching, marking a significant moment in gaming history.

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