EA Archives

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

The Sims 4 Royalty and Legacy: all the confirmed features in the next expansion

The Sims 4 expansion titled Royalty and Legacy introduces new gameplay features focused on family dynasties, scandals, and prestige. It includes a new world named Ondarion with three neighborhoods: Dambele (West African-inspired), Verdemar (heroic outlaws and cunning nobles), and Bellacorde (romance and opulence). Key features include a new career (Noble), a new lot type (Backroom), a new skill (Swordsmanship), and a new resource (Favor). Players can manage dynasties, designate heirs and outcasts, and respond to scandals. A gameplay trailer is set to be released on January 22.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Hopes for an eventual Anthem private server resurrection ignited as former executive producer says code for running the game locally ‘is there to be salvaged and recovered’

Anthem has officially ended as of approximately 2:05 PM EST on Monday. Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah suggested that the technology to run Anthem locally could potentially be revived, depending on third-party developers or EA's involvement. Anthem's architecture relied on a client-server model, requiring players to connect to centralized servers. Reviving the game through private servers would necessitate a deep understanding of its network traffic and mechanics.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

After Expedition 33’s success, Split Fiction’s Josef Fares warns publishers not to “only do” double-A

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning Game of the Year at the previous year’s Game Awards. Josef Fares, founder of Hazelight Studios, warns the triple-A gaming sector against merely replicating trends from Expedition 33's success, emphasizing the need for innovation rather than imitation. He highlights the importance of diversity in gaming, asserting that both triple-A and double-A titles have their place in the industry. Fares points out that while high-budget games face pressure to avoid risks, innovation is still possible, citing examples from studios like Naughty Dog, Rockstar, and Nintendo. He also mentions that other major studios, such as Capcom, are exploring unconventional ideas.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Anthem is finally, officially dead

At approximately 2:05 PM EST today, players of Anthem were unexpectedly disconnected from EA's servers, marking the official end of the game after nearly seven years since its launch. The game had struggled with live service management and received a lukewarm reception, with a review rating of 55 in February 2019. Development issues and a lack of creative direction plagued Anthem, leading to abandoned plans for reinvention in February 2021. EA announced the game's closure in July, and in its final hours, the community engaged in a nostalgic farewell. Players expressed mixed feelings about the game's experience, highlighting both the thrill of combat and frustrations with its design.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

As Anthem breathes its last, I still find myself mourning just how close it came to being the BioWare game of my dreams

The BioWare Anthem servers will shut down on January 12. Anthem was launched nearly seven years ago but never fully realized its potential. Despite initial excitement and captivating gameplay mechanics, the game suffered from a lack of mission variety, limited equipment options, and slow narrative pacing. BioWare announced in February 2020 that it would halt seasonal updates to focus on a "substantial reinvention," but a year later confirmed that Anthem was effectively dead. The game is remembered for its promise and the nostalgic experiences it offered to players.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

9 big things Steam needs to improve in 2026

72% of developers perceive Steam as having a functional monopoly in the PC gaming landscape. Competing platforms like the Epic Games Store and Xbox App have not matched Steam's user experience. Suggestions for improving Steam include adding a "currently playing" section in the library, separating achievements for base games and DLC, streamlining the DLC acquisition process, enhancing mod support in Steam Workshop, improving wishlist organization, and making SteamOS available for all PCs.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

Over half of The Sims development team is working on The Sims 4 and ‘the next evolution’ so I guess it’s time to start speculating again

EA's "next generation Sims game," codenamed Project Rene, will be a mobile game rather than the anticipated Sims 5. EA has reaffirmed its commitment to singleplayer life simulation experiences and is focusing on updates for The Sims 4. There are no plans for a Sims 4 remaster, according to modder SimMattically. EA introduced a platform called The Sims Hub to unify The Sims 4 with Project Rene and other titles, and plans to update the core technology foundation of The Sims 4. However, there is skepticism about the viability of previously announced plans for Project Rene.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

It’s not the news we wanted but it’s what we expected: EA has finally admitted Project Rene is a ‘mobile-first’ game

Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed that Project Rene is a mobile game focused on social multiplayer experiences, not the next installment of The Sims series. EA aimed to set realistic expectations amid concerns about the company's buyout. A leaked image showed custom characters in a vibrant outdoor plaza engaging in activities together. Many fans expressed disappointment at the mobile-only experience, especially after speculation about The Sims 5. EA noted that Project Rene has "evolved" from an earlier vision that may have included The Sims 5. More than half of the Sims development team is focused on enhancing The Sims 4 and exploring its next evolution, with more details to be shared in the coming months. EA plans to provide more information in 2026 as they continue to playtest new ideas for the franchise.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Luna January Content Update

Prime members can access over 50 games through Luna, including a rotating selection of downloadable PC games each month. EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26 will be available for Prime members at no extra cost from January 10 to February 10. New titles for January include Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI and The Jackbox Party Pack 3. Additional games available for cloud gaming include Alan Wake, DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT, HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 - Turbocharged, Monster Truck Championship - Rebel Hunter Edition, Tormented Souls, Aragami: Shadow Edition, Spells & Secrets, Whisker Waters, and Trepang2. On the PC side, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is now available, with Brigador: Up-Armored Edition set to release on January 15.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

You’ve got 1 week left to play Anthem, the game that mortally wounded the one-time king of RPG studios

BioWare's decline is often attributed to the 2019 launch of Anthem, a live-service co-op looter-shooter that received a poor reception, with a review rating of 55%. Following Anthem, BioWare attempted to reinvent the game, but development was halted by EA in 2021. Prior to this, Mass Effect: Andromeda had already damaged the studio's reputation due to bugs. David Gaider, a former BioWare veteran, noted a shift in the studio's focus away from its loyal RPG fanbase towards a broader audience. After Anthem, BioWare released Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which was well-received, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which received mixed reactions. The future of BioWare is now dependent on the success of the upcoming Mass Effect game.