Anthem Players Unite for a Final Farewell: “One Last Flight” Before the Game’s Closure

Anthem’s shutdown has felt like a foregone conclusion. Launched by BioWare in 2019, the game attempted to blend the studio’s signature RPG storytelling with loot-driven gameplay reminiscent of Destiny, but the two elements often clashed. It ended up with the lowest Metacritic score in BioWare’s history, yet it still has a dedicated fanbase that embraced its combat and flight mechanics. Now, those fans are gearing up for a farewell as the game’s end approaches.

While Anthem can be played solo, it requires a constant internet connection, meaning that once the servers go dark on January 12, players will no longer be able to dive in. With that date looming, fans are squeezing in their last moments of gameplay, and the Anthem subreddit is buzzing with players sharing their goodbyes.

One popular post titled “One last flight around Bastion” by user RobRagiel expresses nostalgia, stating, “I enjoyed it till the end and I have a lot of good memories. It was an honor, Freelancers.” The post features a clip showcasing a flight path, highlighting one of the game’s standout features.

Currently, there’s no official way to purchase Anthem on any platform for those wanting to join in on the farewells, but used copies for consoles are plentiful, and PC keys can still be found on resale sites. User EngineerFrosty6633 shared their recent purchase of Anthem for about five bucks, reflecting on the stark contrast to the pre-order excitement back in 2019.

Another user voiced their frustration, asking if others are “still pissed off” about the shutdown. “This is the game that deserves the [No Man’s Sky] treatment,” lamented Ok_Type3663 in a comment. Another suggestion floated was to “petition EA” for an offline patch to keep some part of the game alive, though many doubt such efforts would yield results.

The PS4 version of Anthem debuted with a Metacritic score of 54, the lowest for any BioWare title. The PC and Xbox One versions also rank among the studio’s least favorable releases. Even the game’s most passionate supporters wouldn’t claim it was without flaws, but they found aspects to appreciate, particularly the combat and the exhilarating flight mechanics.

Reflecting on my own experience with Anthem at launch, I found it to be quite disappointing overall. The combat felt chaotic, with indistinct enemies and a flight system that often left players disconnected from the action. The game’s pacing, structure, and storytelling issues are well-documented.

Despite my criticisms, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss as it faces complete shutdown. Anthem stands as a significant piece of modern gaming history, illustrating the pitfalls of a beloved studio trying to adapt to the live-service model. It marks a pivotal moment for BioWare’s reputation, and as the stories of its troubled development fade, so too will the context of what the game truly represented.

Moreover, Anthem serves as a stark reminder of the consumer rights issues that initiatives like Stop Killing Games aim to address. With around 5 million copies sold, every player who invested in the game—regardless of their enjoyment—will soon lose access.

While it’s no surprise that a publisher like EA wouldn’t support a multiplayer game indefinitely, it’s still disheartening to witness a title like Anthem—born from years of hard work and creativity—vanish like a sandcastle washed away by the tide.

One day, all the best online games will be nothing but memories.