Electronic Arts (EA) has revealed plans to discontinue online support for several of its titles. By the end of 2023, fans of games such as Crysis 3, Dante’s Inferno, and Dead Space 2 will no longer be able to access the online features of these games. This move comes as part of EA’s periodic evaluations, where the company retires games with dwindling online player bases to allocate resources to newer and more popular titles.
Games on the Chopping Block
The first game to face the shutdown is Crysis 3, with its servers going offline on 7th September. This move affects Crysis 3 on various platforms like the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One (through backward compatibility), Steam, and EA’s launcher. However, the Remastered version remains untouched as it doesn’t include multiplayer modes. Other games facing a similar fate include:
- October 10, 2023: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
- October 30, 2023: Restaurant DASH: Gordon Ramsay (Apple, Google, Amazon platforms)
- November 6, 2023: Various FIFA titles including FIFA 18, 19, 20, and 21 across platforms like Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
- December 8, 2023: Battlefield 1943, Battlefield: Bad Company, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Dead Space 2, and Dante’s Inferno across various platforms.
Pure Xbox, in its recent spotlight, unveiled a comprehensive history of EA’s decisions to terminate online services for its games. The list, although in alphabetical order, provides a clear pattern of the company’s retirement strategies for its titles.
Reasoning Behind the Decision
EA’s decision to close the online servers of several games hasn’t been taken lightly. They provided the reasoning behind such a move, stating that when the number of players for older games decreases to a point where it represents fewer than 1% of all peak online players across all EA titles, it becomes unsustainable to maintain the servers. By redirecting their resources, EA aims to offer better online services and support to their newer titles which have a higher player base.
Notable Titles Going Offline
Out of all the titles facing the shutdown, Dead Space 2’s multiplayer mode stands out. It was well-received by players for its immersive team-based gameplay, where teams of four players could play as humans or necromorphs. The objective was either to complete or defend a series of missions. Despite its forthcoming shutdown, fans are optimistic about a potential Dead Space 2 remake in the future that might bring back the multiplayer experience. Crysis 3’s online modes also deserve a mention. Recognized as a classic FPS, it provided team deathmatch and objective-based gameplay experiences. It’s crucial to note that Crysis 3’s remastered version did not include multiplayer, so once its servers go offline in September, the game’s online experience will vanish forever.
Parting Thoughts
While the termination of these online services signifies the end of an era for many games, it also reflects the evolving nature of the gaming industry. As EA and other companies push forward with newer titles and technology, players are reminded to cherish their experiences with older titles while they last. Players still have a few weeks to dive back into these classic games before they transition into the annals of gaming history.