If you’ve ever revisited an older favorite “just for nostalgia,” January 2026 might feel like a deadline. Electronic Arts (EA) is set to sunset online services for at least three titles in January 2026, continuing a trend across the industry where always-online and live-service games eventually reach an end-of-life point.
This article breaks down which games are affected, when they go offline, what players can do before the shutdowns, and why this matters for the future of digital game ownership.
The 3 EA Games Shutting Down in January 2026
1) Anthem — Servers shut down January 12, 2026
BioWare’s online action RPG Anthem is scheduled to go offline on January 12, 2026. Once servers are down, the game’s always-online design means it becomes effectively unplayable for most players. Reports also note EA stopped sales of premium currency, and the title has been removed from certain purchase/subscription channels ahead of the shutdown.
If you still want to play it: this is your last chance to jump in, run a few strongholds, and grab screenshots or clips of your build.
2) The Sims Mobile — Shuts down January 20, 2026
EA has announced The Sims Mobile will stop operating on January 20, 2026. The game is also being removed from app stores, and real-money purchases have been discontinued ahead of the shutdown window.
Because mobile live-service games rely heavily on servers for events, purchases, and social features, shutdowns often mean the experience won’t continue in any meaningful form once the plug is pulled.
3) NBA Live 19 — Online services end January 30, 2026
EA has also flagged NBA Live 19 for an online shutdown on January 30, 2026. Community reporting notes it was delisted from digital storefronts prior to the end-of-service date—typically a sign that server support is nearing its conclusion.
If you still have it in your library, you may be able to keep playing offline modes, but anything that depends on EA’s servers will stop working.
Bonus: Another EA shutdown is already on the calendar
While your headline is about January, it’s worth noting EA has also been linked to additional sunsets in early 2026—Real Racing 3 is widely reported to have a shutdown date in March 2026.
Why EA and other developers are shutting down older games
Server-based games aren’t “set and forget.” They require ongoing costs: hosting, security, patches, customer support, compliance updates, and backend maintenance. When a player base shrinks, publishers often decide the economics no longer make sense—especially when teams are needed for newer releases.
EA isn’t alone here, either—sports titles, mobile games, and live-service projects across the industry tend to have fixed lifespans, even if that’s not obvious at launch.
What players should do before the shutdown dates
Here’s a practical checklist to help you get closure (and avoid last-minute regret):
- Log in early (don’t wait for the final day—traffic and bugs happen).
- Spend remaining premium currency (if a game allows it before shutdown).
- Capture memories: record clips, take screenshots, and save builds/loadouts.
- Check what still works offline (varies by game; always-online titles typically won’t).
- Export what you can (where supported)—some games offer limited data tools, but many don’t.
FAQ
Will these games be playable after shutdown?
- Anthem: servers going offline generally means the game is no longer playable because it requires online connectivity.
- The Sims Mobile: EA says the game will stop operating after the shutdown date.
- NBA Live 19: offline modes may remain, but online functionality will end.
Why do companies delist games before shutting servers down?
Delisting often happens when a publisher is winding down support—licenses expire, sales aren’t worth maintaining, or the product is being retired.
Does this impact U.S. players?
Yes. These shutdowns are service-level changes, so they affect players globally, including the United States.
Conclusion
EA’s January 2026 shutdowns are another reminder that always-online games come with an expiration date. For many players, this isn’t just about losing access—it’s about losing a world they spent time (and sometimes money) building inside. If any of these titles are on your “I’ll get to it someday” list, now’s the moment to revisit them before the servers go dark.
