At approximately 2:05 PM EST today, a significant chapter in gaming history came to an abrupt close. After nearly seven years since its launch, players of Anthem found themselves unexpectedly disconnected from EA’s servers. A notification appeared, indicating a lost connection, and subsequent attempts to log in were met with an error message regarding the retrieval of live service data. Thus, BioWare’s ambitious yet troubled looter shooter officially reached its end.
Reflections on Anthem’s Journey
Anthem, which once held the promise of an exhilarating power armor RPG, became synonymous with the challenges of live service management under EA’s stewardship. Our review back in February 2019 rated the game a modest 55, reflecting a lukewarm reception that never quite warmed up. The most celebrated aspect of the game was undoubtedly the exhilarating experience of flying in Iron Man-like mech suits, a feature that stood out amidst the game’s otherwise fragmented design.
According to its executive producer, the development of Anthem was marred by a lack of creative direction from the outset. Following its launch, the game struggled to gain traction, and despite BioWare’s commitment to “reinvent” the title, plans were ultimately abandoned in February 2021. After four years of quiet operation for the loyal players who remained, EA announced in July that the final curtain would fall today.
In its last hours, Anthem’s community engaged in a nostalgic farewell, reminiscent of the game’s overall experience. Jules Gill, a presenter and producer at Future Games Show, expressed delight in the thrill of flying and battling with the Interceptor javelin class, particularly enjoying the intensity of stronghold encounters. Meanwhile, YouTuber Rurikhan relished the satisfaction of wielding the Colossus, relishing its shield smash and artillery capabilities. Yet, as the excitement of combat faded, players were often confronted with the game’s repetitive quest design and disjointed storytelling, leading to moments of confusion and frustration.
Perhaps the most poignant reflection on Anthem’s demise came from variety streamer DreadfulSapien, who was in the midst of a boss fight when the servers went dark. He remarked on the poetic tragedy of the situation, noting, “The game is unfinished, and we were not done playing it. But now we are. And I think that’s really unfortunate.”
