EA’s 2026 Purge: 4 Major Games Shutting Down Forever
Electronic Arts is starting 2026 with a digital purge. If you are still holding onto hope for some of the publisher’s older titles, January will be a brutal month. EA has confirmed the permanent server shutdown for three major titles, with a fourth following closely in March.
This isn’t just about losing multiplayer features. For at least one high-profile game, this shutdown means the title will cease to exist entirely.
Also learn more about the shutdown of Grid 2019 servers on 19 December 2025!
Anthem: The Total Blackout
The most significant casualty is BioWare’s Anthem. On January 12, 2026, EA will pull the plug on the servers. Unlike many other titles that retain some offline functionality, Anthem is a strictly online experience.
Once the servers go dark, the game becomes unplayable. It doesn’t matter if you own the disc or a digital copy; the “Freelancer” journey ends here. The game was already delisted from stores in August 2025, so no new players can enter, but for existing fans, this is the final curtain.
The Sims and NBA Live: End of an Era
Two other communities take a hit later in the month. On January 24, 2026, The Sims Mobile servers will shut down. While the game was delisted in October 2025, reports indicate that players who already have it downloaded may still access offline portions, though all online social features and store support will vanish.
Just a week later, on January 30, 2026, NBA Live 19 faces its shutdown. This marks the death of EA’s last console basketball attempt before their potential pivot to college sports. Like Anthem, this title was removed from storefronts in late 2025.
Real Racing 3 Joins the Graveyard
Looking slightly further ahead, mobile racing fans should mark their calendars for March 19, 2026. Real Racing 3, a staple of mobile racing since 2013, will finally close its garage doors.
EA is clearly clearing house, possibly to streamline resources following the massive $55 billion shareholder-approved sale mentioned in recent reports. If you have any remaining in-game currency in these titles, use it now—it won’t transfer elsewhere.
In Conclusion: Are the EA Shutdowns Fair?
The shutdown of Anthem is a stark reminder of the risks associated with live-service gaming. When the servers die, your purchase often dies with them. The Sims Mobile and NBA Live 19 players have a softer landing, but the message is clear: EA is moving resources to new projects.
If you are looking for games that won’t disappear overnight, it might be time to check out the catalog of single-player classics or newer releases with dedicated offline modes.
Which retired EA game will you miss the most, or is it time to let them go?
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
Download the Allkeyshop Browser Extension Free
For all the latest video game news, trailers, and best deals, make sure to bookmark us.
You can find all the best and cheapest online deals on CD keys, game codes, gift cards, and antivirus software from the verified CD key sellers on our store pages.
To not miss any news on Allkeyshop, subscribe on
Google News
.
MORE RELEVANT ARTICLES
Yeh, Anthem was awful imo. I wanted to like it! I want to believe Bioware can bring it home for us again! One day...for my great grandchildren. But Bioware pitched that title as, "The project that will change online gaming forever" and delivered crippling matchmaking delays & poor online support. That game sucked! I, for one, won't miss it as much as I wish it actually was what Bioware hyped it up to be.