EA Shutting Down Games 2026: Anthem, Sims Mobile & NBA Live 19 Ending
2025-12-29
Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed that three well-known titles, Anthem, The Sims Mobile, and NBA Live 19, will permanently lose online functionality in January 2026.
For some players, this marks the end of an era, while for others it highlights the growing risks of online-only and live-service games. Let’s break down what’s happening, why EA is making these decisions, and what it means for gamers moving forward.
What is EA Shutting Down Games 2026?
EA Shutting Down Games 2026 refers to the planned server closures for several EA-published titles whose online infrastructure will be retired early next year.
Once servers go offline, online features and in some cases the entire game, will no longer be accessible. According to EA, the shutdowns will take place on the following dates:
Anthem – January 12, 2026
Servers will be turned off permanently. Because Anthem has no offline mode, the game will become completely unplayable.The Sims Mobile – January 24, 2026
The game was already removed from app stores in October 2025. Players who still have it installed can play until the shutdown date.NBA Live 19 – January 30, 2026
The final console entry in the NBA Live franchise will lose its online services, ending competitive and connected features.
These closures follow EA’s long-standing policy of sunsetting older games when player numbers drop and server maintenance costs outweigh demand.
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Why Are Anthem, The Sims Mobile, and NBA Live 19 Being Shut Down?
Each of these games has a different history, but the underlying reasons are similar: declining player engagement, rising operational costs, and shifting business priorities.
Anthem
Released in 2019 and developed by BioWare, Anthem launched with huge expectations but struggled due to limited content and technical issues.
Despite later improvements, its player base steadily declined. Because the game relies entirely on online servers, even for solo play, shutting those servers effectively ends the game’s existence.
The Sims Mobile
Developed by Maxis, The Sims Mobile offered a streamlined, live-service version of The Sims experience for smartphones. While it maintained a loyal audience for years, EA ended active support in 2024. The January 2026 shutdown is the final step in its lifecycle.
NBA Live 19
NBA Live 19, developed by EA Tiburon, was released in 2018 and remains the last NBA Live game on consoles. Licensing costs, strong competition from NBA 2K, and EA’s strategic shift towards college basketball projects have left the franchise dormant, making server shutdown inevitable.
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Conclusion
The shutdown of Anthem, The Sims Mobile, and NBA Live 19 in January 2026 is another clear reminder of how fragile online-dependent games can be.
Once servers are gone, years of content, progression, and memories disappear overnight, especially for titles without offline support.
With EA also confirming the shutdown of Real Racing 3 in March 2026, and having closed 23 games in 2025 alone, the industry trend is impossible to ignore.
For players, this raises important questions about digital ownership, preservation, and the long-term future of live-service gaming.
FAQ
What happens to Anthem after January 12, 2026?
Anthem will become completely unplayable because it does not offer an offline mode once servers are shut down.
Can I still play The Sims Mobile after it’s delisted?
Yes, if the game is already installed, it can be played until January 24, 2026, when servers are turned off.
Is NBA Live officially cancelled?
EA has not announced a new NBA Live title since 2019, and the January 2026 shutdown effectively ends the franchise’s online presence.
Why does EA shut down older games?
EA typically closes games due to low player numbers, high server maintenance costs, and expiring licences.
Are more EA games likely to shut down?
Based on recent trends, more older live-service and online-only EA titles may face shutdowns in the future.
Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.
