By PS4 title will be unplayable after server shutdown
- by Liam Croft
EA has revealed that it is shutting down the servers for BioWare’s failure ANTHEM on 12th January 2026. Being a fully online title that requires an internet connection, this implies it will no longer be accessible in any form after that date.
The game will continue to operate until then, but virtual currency for in-game purchases has been removed starting today. ANTHEM will also be excluded from the roster of games available on EA Play on 15th August 2025. A message on the game’s website clarifies that “the end of Anthem has not resulted in any layoffs”.
The blog update further elaborates: “We sincerely value your commitment, enthusiasm, and support throughout the years, and we want to express our gratitude.” In a Frequently Asked Questions section, it mentions: “Anthem was intended to be an online-only game, so when the servers cease operation, it will be unplayable.”
EA and BioWare’s announcement arrives shortly after the Stop Killing Games initiative surpassed one million signatures, aiming to “question the legality of publishers destroying games they have sold to customers”. As an online-only title with no offline option, it falls within this realm.
Launched for PS4 in 2019, ANTHEM was BioWare’s most significant disappointment thus far, as it shifted away from the traditional RPGs for which it is renowned and ventured into the online arena. Although its flight mechanics were commendable, there was little else to acclaim. The game received a mere 59 on Metacritic and garnered a 5/10 in our ANTHEM PS4 review.
“Given enough time, ANTHEM might gradually evolve into a more coherent experience, but the concern is that it will not be afforded the opportunity. There’s a decent game lurking here somewhere, but only the visually impressive, gratifying combat stands out against a backdrop of shockingly poor design choices and severely underdeveloped systems.”
BioWare had actually contemplated revisiting ANTHEM in the years after its launch to give it a complete makeover, but ultimately decided against it. This choice was made during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the developer indicated that following through with revival plans would impose too much “unnecessary stress on our teams.”
In six months, that initial work will be entirely lost, and PS4 discs will serve no purpose other than as coasters.
[source ea.com]
Liam grew up with a PlayStation controller in hand and an affinity for Metal Gear Solid. Nowadays, he enjoys playing the latest and finest PS5 titles while supporting Derby County. That last detail is his Achilles’ heel.