Electronic Arts (EA), one of the leading video game publishers in the world, has announced that it will be shutting down the online servers for 12 of its older games by the end of 2023. This means that players will no longer be able to access the online features and multiplayer modes of these games, which include popular titles such as Battlefield Bad Company 2, Dead Space 2, Crysis 3, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14.
Why is EA shutting down the servers?
According to EA, the decision to shut down the servers is based on the low player population and activity of these games, which makes it financially unsustainable to keep them running. EA stated that “we are constantly evaluating our online service portfolio to ensure that resources are focused on delivering the best possible online experiences to our players”. EA also assured that players will still be able to play these games offline or via LAN connection, as well as access their single-player and offline content.
EA is not the only video game company that periodically shuts down the servers for older games. Other publishers such as Activision, Ubisoft, and Nintendo have also done so in the past, citing similar reasons. However, some fans of these games are unhappy with EA’s decision, as they feel that they are losing access to their favorite online modes and communities. Some have even started online petitions and campaigns to urge EA to reconsider its decision or provide alternative solutions.
Which games are affected and when will they shut down?
The list of games that will have their online servers shut down by EA is as follows:
- Crysis 3 (PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC) – September 7, 2023
- Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 (PS3, Xbox 360) – October 10, 2023
- Restaurant DASH: Gordon Ramsay (iOS, Android) – October 30, 2023
- FIFA 18 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – November 6, 2023
- FIFA 19 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – November 6, 2023
- FIFA 20 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – November 6, 2023
- FIFA 21 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – November 6, 2023
- Battlefield 1943 (Xbox One) – December 8, 2023
- Battlefield Bad Company (Xbox One) – December 8, 2023
- Battlefield Bad Company 2 (Xbox One) – December 8, 2023
- Dead Space 2 (Xbox One) – December 8, 2023
- Dante’s Inferno (Xbox One) – December 8, 2023
The dates above are the final days that players can access the online features of these games. After that, they will be permanently offline. Some of these games are available via backward compatibility on newer consoles such as the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. However, this does not affect the server shutdown schedule.
What are some of the online features that will be lost?
The online features that will be lost vary depending on the game. Some of the most notable ones are:
- Crysis 3: The game’s multiplayer mode, which features eight different game modes and twelve maps. The multiplayer mode also allows players to customize their nanosuits and weapons with various modules and attachments.
- Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14: The game’s online tournaments and leaderboards, which allow players to compete with other golfers around the world. The game also features a live weather system that affects the gameplay conditions.
- Restaurant DASH: Gordon Ramsay: The game’s social features and events, which allow players to interact with other chefs and participate in seasonal challenges. The game also features a VIP subscription service that grants players extra benefits and rewards.
- FIFA series: The game’s Ultimate Team mode, which allows players to create their own custom teams with players from different leagues and nations. The mode also features various online modes such as Division Rivals, Squad Battles, FUT Champions, and FUT Draft. The mode also has a transfer market where players can buy and sell players with in-game currency or real money.
- Battlefield series: The game’s multiplayer mode, which features various game modes such as Conquest, Rush, Team Deathmatch, and Squad Deathmatch. The multiplayer mode also allows players to use various vehicles and gadgets such as tanks, helicopters, jets, and drones.
- Dead Space 2: The game’s multiplayer mode, which pits four human survivors against four necromorphs in five different maps. The multiplayer mode also allows players to upgrade their weapons and abilities with power nodes.
- Dante’s Inferno: The game’s Trials of St. Lucia mode, which allows players to create and share their own custom levels with other players. The mode also features a co-op mode where players can team up with another player to complete the trials.
What are some of the alternatives for players who still want to play these games online?
For players who still want to play these games online, there are some possible alternatives that they can try. Some of them are:
- Playing the games offline or via LAN connection, which will still allow them to enjoy the single-player and offline content of these games.
- Playing the newer or remastered versions of these games, which may have improved graphics, gameplay, and online features. For example, players can play Crysis Remastered, FIFA 22, Battlefield 2042, or Dead Space Remake instead of the older versions.
- Playing similar or related games from other publishers or developers, which may offer similar gameplay experiences or genres. For example, players can play Call of Duty, PES, PGA Tour 2K21, or Resident Evil instead of the EA games.
- Playing fan-made or community-driven projects that aim to preserve or revive the online features of these games. For example, players can join fan servers or modded versions of these games that may allow them to play online with other players. However, these projects may not be officially supported or endorsed by EA, and may have legal or technical issues.