Hosting game servers is apparently quite expensive, as many older games are currently being taken offline. According to the publisher, 12 EA games will also be affected by the end of the year. A fan favorite is among them.
Which games are affected?
On September 7, 2023
- Crysis 3 (PS3, Xbox 360, Steam, EA App)
On October 10, 2023
- Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 (PS3, Xbox 360)
On October 30, 2023
- Restaurant DASH: Gordon Ramsay (IOS, Android)
On November 6, 2023
- FIFA 18 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- FIFA 19 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- FIFA 20 (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch)
- FIFA 21 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
On December 8, 2023
- Battlefield 1943 (PS3, Xbox 360)
- Battlefield Bad Company (PS3, Xbox 360)
- Battlefield Bad Company 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
- Dead Space 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
- Dante’s Inferno (PS3, PSP, Xbox 360)
Many other games from other studios are also affected this year:
We are in the 6th week of 2023, and 15 games have already been declared dead
It hits sports games and fan favorites
Taking the 4 FIFA games offline probably won’t be a problem for most, as you get a new FIFA title every year anyway. PGA Tour 14 probably won’t hurt anyone either. In contrast to the other titles, the mobile game will become unplayable, which is probably for the best given the quality of most.
It’s bitter that fan favorites in the form of the two Bad Company titles are dying. At least the ability for players to host their own matches online should be possible, because otherwise, the multiplayer and its associated gameplay will never be playable again.
The offline shutdown of Dead Space 2 and Dante’s Inferno is unlikely to concern most. For historical reasons, it is still a shame that these multiplayer modes will no longer be playable.
No matter how you feel about these games, it is always a shame when games or multiplayer get taken down. Even if you understand that resources have to be redistributed at some point, a sustainable way to handle such online aspects should be found. Otherwise, some nostalgic games will soon disappear.
MeinMMO author Dariusz Müller is at least enjoying the current Battlefield title:
Battlefield 2042 has finally been fun after 1.5 years because I can now take down noobs
