EA Announces Shutdown of Anthem: Impact on Players and Industry

Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed that it will officially shut down its online multiplayer game, Anthem, on January 12, 2026. This decision marks a significant milestone for EA’s gaming division and has sparked discussions about the future of online gaming and player engagement. The announcement was made on July 3, 2025, detailing the timeline and implications for current players.

Anthem, developed by BioWare, was launched in February 2019 but received lukewarm reviews, with critics citing issues such as repetitive gameplay and lack of content variety. According to a review by IGN, the game earned a score of 6.5/10, reflecting disappointment from both fans and critics alike (Valentine, 2025). Despite selling approximately 5 million copies by December 2023, this figure fell short of EA's expectations, which included a target of 6 million copies within the first few months of release.

The game's failure to meet sales expectations, coupled with ongoing challenges in player retention and satisfaction, led EA to halt active development in February 2021. The departure of Anthem's game director shortly thereafter signaled a downward trajectory for the title. In its recent FAQ, EA clarified that no layoffs occurred as a result of the decision to sunset Anthem, a statement that comes in light of several recent layoffs within the company. In 2025 alone, EA has seen significant workforce reductions, including approximately 300 employees laid off after the cancellation of the Black Panther game and the closure of Cliffhanger Games (Valentine, 2025).

As of now, Anthem's premium in-game currency has ceased to be sold, although existing balances will remain usable until the game's shutdown. Additionally, Anthem will be removed from EA Play on August 15, 2025, although players who have it in their library will still be able to access it until the official shutdown date.

The closure of Anthem can be viewed within the broader context of the gaming industry's evolving landscape, particularly regarding the sustainability of online-only titles. Dr. Emily Carter, an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a researcher in digital gaming, noted, "The decision to shut down Anthem reflects the broader industry trend of focusing on games that provide ongoing engagement and revenue, which is increasingly critical in the face of competitive pressures."

The implications of this shutdown extend beyond just Anthem's player base. Industry analysts are concerned about the long-term viability of online multiplayer games that do not maintain a consistent and engaging content pipeline. According to a report by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) published in 2023, the failure of games like Anthem to sustain player interest can lead to significant financial repercussions, not just for developers but also for the wider gaming ecosystem (IGDA, 2023).

In conclusion, the impending shutdown of Anthem serves as a cautionary tale for developers and publishers in the gaming industry. As EA shifts its focus to new projects, including the highly anticipated Mass Effect 5, the future of Anthem raises critical questions about how companies can better align their development strategies with player expectations and market demands. The transition from Anthem to future projects will likely shape EA's approach to game development in the years to come, emphasizing the need for adaptability in an ever-evolving market.

For more updates on EA and its gaming portfolio, follow Rebekah Valentine on BlueSky at @duckvalentine.bsky.social.