It’s The Final Countdown For Anthem, With Only One Week Left To Play
BioWare’s ill-fated live-service experiment, *Anthem*, is officially nearing its final breath. Launched in early 2019, the online multiplayer RPG is scheduled to be taken offline by publisher EA next week, permanently ceasing all service operations on January 12. For the dedicated few still flying their Javelin exosuits, this marks the absolute last opportunity to experience the game before it becomes completely unplayable.
The termination of service was publicly confirmed some time ago, giving the remaining player base about six months to return to the title and utilize any lingering in-game currency before the servers shutter. While the community might hope for a special farewell, an official in-game event to mark the occasion seems improbable as the final deadline approaches.
The closure has naturally sparked renewed discussion regarding what led to the failure of BioWare’s ambitious project. Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah recently weighed in, offering perspective on the tumultuous development cycle. Darrah noted that the game was initially pitched by Mass Effect director Casey Hudson as a foundational shift for the studio’s future output. However, Hudson later departed BioWare, leaving the proposed transformation plan without its original leader. Hudson is currently focused on development for the newly revealed title, *Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic*.