Culture

BioWare's Biggest Failure, Anthem, Is About to Shut Down Forever

QM
Quinn Martinez
Culture & Trends Editor
BioWare’s Biggest Failure, Anthem, Is About to Shut Down Forever
Image source: vice.com

Anthem's Demise

BioWare's biggest video game failure, Anthem, is set to shut down on January 12, 2026, after about seven years from the original 2019 launch [3]. With the game going away for good, many players have been eager to play one last time, giving it a personal sendoff. However, many are also nostalgic for the game's initial promise and the excitement that came with its launch.

A Brief History of Anthem

Anthem was first announced in 2017 as a new IP from BioWare, the studio behind the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series. The game was initially touted as a cooperative third-person shooter with a strong focus on exploration and character customization. However, the game's development was marred by delays, changes in direction, and a lack of clear communication with the community.

The Game's Decline

Despite its initial promise, Anthem failed to live up to expectations. The game received mixed reviews from critics and players alike, with many citing its poor gameplay, lack of content, and numerous bugs. The game's player base dwindled over time, and the game's servers were eventually shut down in 2020.

The Shut Down

Now, with the game's shutdown looming, players are taking to social media to share their memories of the game and bid farewell to a game that could have been. BioWare has not commented on the shutdown, but it's clear that the game's failure has had a lasting impact on the studio and the gaming community.

Conclusion

Anthem's shutdown marks the end of an era for BioWare and the gaming community. While the game may be gone, its legacy will live on in the memories of those who played it and the lessons that can be learned from its failure.

Sources

[1] Kendall Jenner Says She Isn’t Feeling Today’s Hip-Hop, Praises Kendrick Lamar and Pal Tyler, the Creator
[2] How to Watch the Golden Globes 2026: Date, Time and Streaming
[3] BioWare’s Biggest Failure, Anthem, Is About to Shut Down Forever