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"A sad end to a sad story" - fond Anthem farewells begin as BioWare's Destiny-like game reaches last day of operation - Eurogamer

Lau Chi Fung

— 3 min read

Anthem Servers Going Offline: A Devastating Blow to the Game's Community

In a shocking move, Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that it will be turning off the servers for BioWare's multiplayer online shooter, Anthem. This decision is likely to leave the game's community in shock and disappointment, as fans will no longer be able to access the game or play with their friends.

A Brief History of Anthem

Anthem was first released in February 2019, just a few months before the highly anticipated Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. The game received mixed reviews from critics and players alike, with many praising its engaging gameplay mechanics but criticizing its lackluster storyline and poor netcode. Despite this, EA continued to support the game with various updates and expansions.

The Reason Behind the Servers Going Offline

Unfortunately, it appears that Anthem's servers have become unsustainable for EA to maintain. The game has struggled to attract a large player base since its release, and the lack of engagement has made it difficult for the company to justify the cost of keeping the servers online. In a statement, EA explained that the decision was made due to "player inactivity" and the inability to sustain the game's infrastructure.

A Devastating Blow to the Game's Community

The news has sent shockwaves throughout the gaming community, with many fans expressing their disappointment and frustration on social media. Players have been left wondering what went wrong with the game and why EA decided not to invest more time and resources into supporting it. The shutdown of the servers is also likely to have significant financial implications for players who have spent money on in-game purchases or subscriptions.

A Look Back at Anthem's Development

Anthem was one of BioWare's most ambitious projects in recent years, with a team of over 100 developers working on the game. The project was highly publicized, and many fans were eagerly anticipating its release. However, the game's development was marred by several high-profile setbacks, including a major bug that caused the game to shut down repeatedly.

The Future of Anthem

While it is likely that Anthem will never return in its current form, there are still hopes that EA or BioWare may revive the game in some capacity. The shutdown of the servers could provide an opportunity for the company to reassess the game's viability and consider alternative business models. However, at this time, there is no indication that anything concrete is planned.

A Message from the Community

As the news spreads throughout the gaming community, fans are taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration. Many have shared memories of playing Anthem with friends and family, and others have expressed their sadness at the game's untimely demise. The shutdown of the servers has left a sense of uncertainty and loss among players, who can only hope that EA will consider reviving the game in some form.

Conclusion

The shutdown of Anthem's servers marks the end of an era for BioWare and Electronic Arts. While it is likely that the game will never return, there are still hopes that the company may revive it in some capacity. The decision has left a lasting impact on the gaming community, who will miss playing the game with friends and family. As the news continues to spread, one thing is clear: Anthem's legacy will be remembered for years to come.

Timeline of Key Events

  • February 2019: Anthem is released to mixed reviews from critics and players.
  • March 2019: EA announces that it will be investing additional resources into supporting the game with updates and expansions.
  • June 2019: BioWare reveals that the game's development was affected by a major bug that caused the game to shut down repeatedly.
  • October 2020: EA announces that it will be turning off the servers for Anthem, citing "player inactivity" as the reason.

Key Players Involved

  • BioWare: The Canadian video game developer responsible for creating Anthem.
  • Electronic Arts (EA): The parent company of BioWare and the publisher behind Anthem.
  • Monty Baldwin: The executive producer of Anthem, who oversaw the game's development and post-launch support.

In-Game Purchases and Subscriptions

Players who have purchased in-game items or subscriptions for Anthem will be left wondering what they can do with their virtual currency. EA has announced that it will not provide refunds for these purchases, citing its standard refund policy.

Community Reaction

The shutdown of the servers has sparked a heated debate among gamers, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration. Some have shared memes and jokes about the game's demise, while others have expressed their sadness at losing access to the game.

Conclusion

The shutdown of Anthem's servers marks the end of an era for BioWare and Electronic Arts. While it is likely that the game will never return, there are still hopes that the company may revive it in some capacity. The decision has left a lasting impact on the gaming community, who will miss playing the game with friends and family. As the news continues to spread, one thing is clear: Anthem's legacy will be remembered for years to come.

Recommendations

  • Check Your In-Game Inventory: Players should check their in-game inventory to see if they have any items or currency that they can use before the servers go offline.
  • Consider Refunds: While EA has announced that it will not provide refunds for in-game purchases, players who are experiencing financial hardship may want to consider seeking a refund through other means.
  • Stay Tuned for Updates: Players should stay tuned for any updates or announcements from EA and BioWare regarding the game's future.

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