The ultimate demise of Anthem always felt like a matter of “when,” not “if.” When BioWare launched the title in 2019, it attempted to bridge the gap between their hallmark RPG storytelling and the adrenaline-fueled, loot-centric loops popularized by Destiny. Unfortunately, these two halves often pulled in opposite directions. The result was the lowest critical reception in the studio’s history, yet a passionate cult following emerged, captivated by the game’s visceral combat and exhilarating flight mechanics. Today, those loyalists are preparing their final tributes as the game approaches its permanent shutdown.
While Anthem is technically playable solo, its mandatory persistent internet connection means that when the servers go dark on January 12, the world of Bastion will vanish forever. With the deadline less than a week away, the game’s community is savoring their final moments, filling the Anthem subreddit with heartfelt farewells and digital memorials.
“One final sortie across Bastion” is the title of a popular post by user RobRagiel, who shared: “I savored it until the very end and built so many great memories. It was an honor, Freelancers.” The post features a clip of a soaring flight path, showcasing the mechanical fluidity that many consider the game’s crowning achievement.
For those looking to join the vigil, Anthem has been largely delisted from major digital storefronts. However, physical console copies are easy to find, and PC activation keys still linger on secondary market sites. “I probably should have spent this on coffee, but why not?” remarked EngineerFrosty6633 in a thread showcasing their recent $5 purchase—a bittersweet reality for those who remember the high expectations of the 2019 launch.
Another discussion highlights the lingering frustration within the community. “This is the one title that truly deserved the No Man’s Sky redemption arc,” lamented user Ok_Type3663. Elsewhere, fans are petitioning EA to release an offline patch to preserve the game’s legacy, though few believe the publisher will invest the resources to make it happen.
Anthem Launch Trailer – YouTube
Launching with a dismal Metacritic score of 54 on PS4, Anthem remains the lowest-rated project in BioWare’s storied portfolio. Even the game’s most ardent supporters admit it was deeply flawed, yet they found solace in the kinetic movement and deep customization that hinted at a much greater potential.
Reflecting on its launch, many found the experience disjointed. The combat often devolved into a chaotic flurry of visual effects against generic foes, and the celebrated flight system sometimes made it difficult to engage with the actual mechanics of the world. Beyond these technical hurdles, the issues with its narrative structure and repetitive pacing were widely criticized.
However, its total disappearance is a tragedy for gaming history. Anthem is a significant artifact—a high-profile example of the friction that occurs when a narrative-heavy studio is forced into the live-service mold. It marks a pivotal moment in BioWare’s reputation. As the game fades, the stories of its “development hell” will lose their tangible context, leaving only memories of what the experience was actually like.
The situation also highlights the growing importance of movements like “Stop Killing Games.” Anthem sold roughly 5 million copies, and every person who invested in it—whether they loved it or hated it—is about to have their access permanently revoked. While it is unrealistic to expect perpetual server support, there is a profound sadness in seeing years of creative artistry vanish like a sandcastle reclaimed by the tide.
In time, even the most legendary online worlds may become nothing more than digital dust.
Source: gamesradar.com
