BioWare Permanently Shuts Down Anthem Starting January 12, 2026

BioWare’s pulling the plug on Anthem for good on January 12, 2026. As the game requires an online connection to function, it will become unplayable for everyone after this date. Players can continue to enjoy the game until then, but there are a few important changes to note. As of early July, premium currency can no longer be purchased in-game. However, any existing premium currency should be spent before January 12, 2026. On August 15, 2025, Anthem will be removed from EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Rest assured, if you already own the game, you will still be able to download and play it until the final server shutdown. BioWare has confirmed that this decision did not result in any layoffs. They also extended their gratitude to the community for their continued support over the years, noting that the decision was made after long and careful consideration. Anthem originally launched in 2019. It promised a dynamic living world and exciting cooperative gameplay featuring unique Javelin exosuits. However, the game was heavily criticized for its numerous technical issues and a perceived lack of compelling content. In 2020, a major overhaul, codenamed Anthem Next, was even announced. However, by 2021, the project was ultimately abandoned, as BioWare opted to focus its development efforts on titles like Dragon Age and Mass Effect. Thus, this marks the definitive end for a project that, despite showing considerable potential at its inception, ultimately failed to regain player trust. Until January 2026, you can still play Anthem if you already own it. After that date, it will be permanently inaccessible.

In related news, Marcus Thompson delves into another high-profile cancellation in the gaming industry with his article “Black Panther: EA Cancels Game and Shuts Down Cliffhanger Games, Massive Housecleaning Continues,” published on May 28, 2025. The piece discusses how Electronic Arts’ restructuring efforts led to the closure of Cliffhanger Games and the cancellation of their ambitious “Black Panther” project. With this move, EA is further consolidating its focus on key franchises while leaving a trail of uncertainty for those in the gaming community who were looking forward to Marvel collaborations. To learn more about how this decision impacts both developers and fans alike, be sure to check out Black Panther: EA Cancels Game and Shuts Down Cliffhanger Games, Massive Housecleaning Continues. For those interested in the latest developments at BioWare, be sure to check out “Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Game Director Corinne Busche Leaves Bioware and Explains” by Marcus Thompson (January 17, 2025). This insightful piece delves into the departure of Corinne Busche from BioWare as she takes on a new challenge elsewhere. With her leadership through the final stages of The Veilguard’s nearly decade-long development, Corinne shares her personal reasons for leaving and reflects on the project’s journey. Don’t miss this thoughtful commentary on one of BioWare’s significant projects Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Game Director Corinne Busche Leaves Bioware and Explains. While discussing the fate of BioWare’s projects, it’s worth noting another recent development in their lineup. Jonathan Dubinski’s post on December 6, 2024, delves into the mysterious silence surrounding the sales figures for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, a game that faced significant scrutiny upon release. Despite its ambitious $250 million budget and promising critical reception, questions linger about its commercial success and the impact of its narrative choices on long-time fans. To explore this further and understand the implications for BioWare’s future, be sure to check out Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Bioware Refuses to Disclose Sales Figures, An Admission of Failure?.