### EA's Game Shutdowns: A Shift in Focus for Electronic Arts Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the impending shutdown of online servers for several major titles, including FIFA 23 and Madden NFL 22, set to occur later in 2025. Additionally, the servers for BioWare's Anthem will cease operations on January 12, 2026, rendering the game unplayable. This decision reflects EA's strategy to phase out older or underperforming titles and redirect resources towards more successful projects and new game developments [https://www.indy100.com/gaming/ea-sports-fc-fifa-nfl-madden-shutting-down]. ### Breakdown of EA's Shutdown Strategy 1. **Games Affected**: - FIFA 23 and Madden NFL 22 will have their online servers shut down in 2025. - Anthem's servers will close on January 12, 2026, after being delisted from online stores earlier in August 2025 [https://www.lowyat.net/2025/357973/ea-shut-down-anthem-12-january-2026]. 2. **Community Response**: - Players of Anthem are requesting an offline mode to preserve some gameplay experience before the shutdown [https://gamerant.com/anthem-offline-mode-fan-request-shut-down]. - The announcement has sparked discussions about the game's troubled history and its impact on BioWare's reputation [https://www.heise.de/en/news/EA-shuts-down-Anthem-10474701.html]. 3. **Financial Considerations**: - EA's decision to shut down these games is part of a broader trend in the gaming industry where companies are increasingly focusing on profitable titles and live-service models [https://www.techradar.com/gaming/gaming-industry/ea-is-shutting-down-biowares-anthem-next-year-rendering-it-unplayable-forever]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Shutdown Timeline**: - FIFA 23 and Madden NFL 22: Online servers to shut down in late 2025. - Anthem: Servers to shut down on January 12, 2026, with delisting on August 15, 2025 [https://www.gamerant.com/anthem-servers-shutting-down-when-january-2026]. - **Community Sentiment**: - Many players express disappointment over the lack of an offline mode for Anthem, highlighting the game's potential that was never fully realized [https://gizmodo.com/so-long-anthem-see-ya-in-the-skies-2000623943]. ### Conclusion: EA's Strategic Shift and Community Impact In summary, **EA's decision to shut down several major titles, including FIFA 23, Madden NFL 22, and Anthem, marks a significant shift in its gaming strategy**. The company is prioritizing resources towards more successful projects while leaving behind titles that have not met financial expectations. 1. **Game Shutdowns**: FIFA 23 and Madden NFL 22 will cease online operations in 2025, while Anthem will be permanently unplayable after January 12, 2026. 2. **Community Reactions**: Players are voicing their concerns, particularly regarding Anthem's lack of an offline mode. 3. **Financial Strategy**: EA's focus is shifting towards profitable titles, reflecting broader industry trends. This strategic pivot underscores the challenges faced by older games in a rapidly evolving gaming landscape [https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/surprise-the-anthem-servers-are-still-running-but-they-wont-be-after-january-12].