Anthem’s Server Shutdown Fuels ‘Stop Killing Games’ Fire as EA Pulls the Plug

It’s a dark day for Anthem fans, as Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed the game’s servers will shut down on January 12, 2026, leaving the game unplayable forever. This move coincides with the Stop Killing Games campaign, with over 1 million signatures now backing the cause.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• EA has announced Anthem’s servers will shut down on January 12, 2026, with no refunds or offline playability offered.

• The Stop Killing Games petition, led by Ross Scott, has surpassed 1 million signatures, with a deadline of July 31, 2025.

• Anthem’s shutdown highlights the risks of digital ownership, fueling debates about game preservation.

• The timing aligns with growing industry scrutiny of the Stop Killing Games initiative.

The Shutdown

EA’s decision to pull the plug on Anthem’s servers marks the end of an era for the troubled looter-shooter. EA broke the news via a blog post, with the shutdown date set for January 12, 2026. The game, which launched in 2019, has been in maintenance mode since the cancellation of its “Anthem 2.0” reboot in February 2021.

Hi everyone,

We have an important update to share regarding Anthem. After careful consideration, we will be sunsetting Anthem on January 12, 2026. This means that the game will still be playable online for the next 180+ days. As of today, you can no longer purchase in-game premium currency, but you can still use your remaining balance until the servers go offline.

We deeply appreciate your dedication, passion and support over the years and we’d like to thank you for that.

For additional information on Anthem, please refer to the FAQ below.

The BioWare Team

EA’s statement cites the game’s online-only design as the reason it can’t survive post-shutdown, a move that has left existing premium currency useless and sparked outrage among players. It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of digital purchases.

Stop Killing Games Gains Momentum

The timing of Anthem’s shutdown couldn’t be more significant, as the Stop Killing Games initiative, led by Ross Scott, has just hit a milestone of over 1 million signatures in its European Citizens’ Initiative petition. Launched in 2024 to challenge the practice of permanently disabling purchased games, the campaign gained fresh momentum today.

If successful, it could push EU lawmakers to consider new regulations, potentially requiring publishers like EA to preserve offline playability or release source code. Anthem’s case underscores the urgency of such changes.

A Troubled Legacy

Anthem’s journey has been marked by challenges. Wikipedia details the game’s troubled development, from its ambitious start to the cancellation of “Anthem 2.0” in 2021. The game’s online-only status, confirmed by EA’s official site, now seals its fate.

Fans on X, like Zaddak and kroshkaruiya1, express disappointment over the loss, while FalkoEngelhart cites the rushed launch as a contributing factor. The shutdown is a bitter outcome for those who invested in the game, highlighting broader issues of game longevity and digital rights.

Industry Backlash

The reaction has been swift and fierce. Users on social media are outraged, with many seeing Anthem as a symbol for the Stop Killing Games cause. PirateSoftware stepped back from Offbrand Games amid related controversies, as noted on X, while LudwigAhgren praised the initiative’s intent despite harassment issues. The coincidence of EA’s announcement with the petition’s milestone has sparked irony, potentially forcing the industry to reconsider digital preservation. The backlash reflects a growing demand for change.

Legal Implications

The Stop Killing Games petition’s potential success could have significant consequences. Discussions suggest new EU regulations might require publishers to preserve offline playability or release source code, a response to cases like Anthem. The petition’s deadline is July 31, 2025, and its impact could influence industry practices.

For EA, this is a moment of reckoning, as their focus on other projects, like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, has left Anthem vulnerable. It’s a critical juncture for digital ownership.

The Takeaway

Anthem’s server shutdown is more than just the end of a game; it’s a moment that could drive change. With the Stop Killing Games petition nearing its deadline and over 1 million signatures strong, the gaming community is pushing back against the loss of purchased content.

EA’s decision underscores the risks of digital ownership, and the timing aligns with heightened scrutiny of such practices. As the industry faces this challenge, Anthem’s fate might just be the impetus for reform—unless it’s too late. For fans, it’s a loss, but for the movement, it’s a call to action.

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture, and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Sources:

• Dexerto: X post announcing Anthem’s shutdown

• CultureCrave, accursedfarms: X posts on Stop Killing Games petition milestone

• Wikipedia: Anthem’s development and reception

• EA’s official site: Confirmation of Anthem’s online-only status

• X posts from PirateSoftware, LudwigAhgren

• Discussions on potential EU regulations

• Reddit threads on r/AnthemTheGame, r/Gaming

• X threads and posts on Anthem shutdown and Stop Killing Games