Anthem, the failed try at a live-service recreation by Mass Impact and Dragon Age developer BioWare, could also be formally offline for good, however some individuals are conserving the dream alive.
Anthem writer EA introduced final yr that it might cease working the recreation’s servers on January 12, 2026, and confirmed that customers would not have the ability play in any respect after this level. Premium in-game foreign money was withdrawn from sale final summer time, and the recreation was delisted at the identical time from EA Play. As an online-only recreation, this meant the recreation was basically lifeless, with no method to entry any content material offline.
Now, nonetheless, developer And799 has showcased their efforts in a video, and whereas they’re eager to stress that what you see is merely a proof of idea and does “NOT characterize the present progress of the non-public server/revival venture that’s at present in progress,” it definitely appears as if they’ve managed to get multiplayer working, albeit with some lacking options equivalent to on-line profiles. Crucially, they did handle to get two gamers into the identical foyer.
“So, with the recreation being lifeless, I believe it is the excellent time to check out it,” And799 stated. “Looks as if the majority of the participant information are dealt with by BioWare’s server as a substitute of blaze and it’s required for the recreation to have the ability to load offline.”
Apparently, the feedback of the video are full of individuals providing their experience to assist with the venture, with one such commenter writing: “It hasn’t been every week [since Anthem was taken offline], that is excellent.”
Upon its 2019 launch, shared-world action-RPG Anthem failed to meet EA’s inside targets set after a lengthy and troubled growth. Regardless of some efforts to additional replace and enhance the recreation, BioWare ceased lively growth on Anthem again in February 2021, citing a necessity to prioritize Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Mass Impact 5. The plug was pulled on January 12.
Whereas these fan efforts are encouraging, it stays to be seen whether or not they go anyplace significant. Redditor Next-Atmosphere9202, who is part of the non-public server/revival venture talked about above, commented on And799’s work to say “that is nonetheless a very hacky factor so I would like to ask folks to handle their expectations only a bit. Quite a lot of stuff clearly would not work as ‘meant,’ and positively wants at minimal, extra polish.”
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, in addition to a critic, columnist, and guide with 15+ years expertise working with a few of the world’s greatest gaming websites and publications. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.