EA closes Anthem tomorrow alongside NBA Live 19 and Sims Mobile

EA closes three major games tomorrow as the company enters a massive server purge in January 2026. Anthem is first to go, followed by The Sims Mobile and NBA Live 19 within the next three weeks. Here’s what you need to know about losing these beloved titles forever.

EA’s Game Server Purge Hits Hard Tomorrow

Electronic Arts confirmed that Anthem’s servers will shut down permanently on January 12, 2026. The BioWare-developed sci-fi action game will become completely unplayable after this date. Because Anthem was designed as an online-only title with no offline mode option, players cannot access the game once the servers go dark. EA made the initial announcement in July 2025, giving players approximately 6 months notice.

The shutdown marks the final chapter for a game that launched in 2019 to mixed reception. Players had hoped for the promised Anthem Next overhaul, but EA cancelled that project entirely. Now, millions who invested time and money into the experience will lose all access within hours.

What’s Happening to The Sims Mobile in Days

The Sims Mobile will shut down on January 20, 2026 at 1:59 PM UTC, just nine days after Anthem. The mobile title brought Sims gameplay to smartphones and tablets for seven years since its launch. On January 6, 2026, EA unlocked all premium content for free, allowing players a final week to experience everything the game offered.

The studio delisted the game from app stores in October 2025 and ended regular content updates months ago. No refunds will be provided for players with in-game purchases or active premium subscriptions. This closure eliminates one of EA’s most accessible entry points into the Sims franchise.

The Complete EA Server Shutdown Timeline

“After careful consideration, we will be sunsetting Anthem on January 12, 2026. This means that the game will still be playable online for the next 180+ days from the original announcement.”

— Electronic Arts, Official Anthem Game Update

NBA Live 19 Faces Final Shutdown Later This Month

NBA Live 19 becomes the last game to go offline on January 30, 2026. The basketball simulation, released in 2018 by EA Tiburon, was already delisted from digital storefronts months ago. EA Pull removed the title from EA Play in October 2025, signaling the end was near.

The sport franchise has struggled against NBA 2K’s dominance, and EA ultimately decided to cease live-service support entirely. One final month remains for dedicated fans to play their last games online. After January 30, the servers will be gone forever.

What Does This Mean for the Future of EA Games?

These closures reflect EA’s broader strategy of consolidating online services and removing underperforming titles. The company is prioritizing flagship franchises like FIFA, Madden, and The Sims 4. Anthem’s failure demonstrated the risks of always-online gaming with no single-player alternative.

Players should ask themselves this question: Are online-only games truly worth the investment if servers could shut down forever at any moment? The industry continues to learn that digital ownership differs vastly from permanent access. What will you miss most about these three goodbye titles?

Sources

• Electronic Arts Official – Anthem Game Update announcement and server shutdown confirmation
• Game Rant – Coverage of all three game closures with verified dates
• Polygon – Analysis of Anthem’s troubled history and the January 12 deadline

Annabelle Ink

Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.