Online Services Ending in November
EA has announced the removal of three older Battlefield games from sale later this month, with their online services scheduled to shut down in November.
Specifically, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4, and Battlefield: Hardline—released in 2011, 2013, and 2015 respectively—will be delisted from digital storefronts on Wednesday, July 31st. After this date, purchasing the games or their corresponding DLCs will no longer be possible.
Additionally, online components for all three titles will be unavailable starting November 7th this year. However, EA notes that their single-player modes will remain accessible.
The publisher clarifies that today's announcement only applies to the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. Battlefield 3 will still be playable on PC, while Battlefield 4 and Battlefield: Hardline will remain available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
EA has not provided specific reasons for "sunsetting" these titles, but an accompanying FAQ suggests these decisions are often made "for legal reasons, or because players are requesting resources elsewhere." It adds, "There comes a time in every game's lifecycle when it makes sense for us to remove it from online stores."
This news follows EA's decision last year to remove Battlefield 1943 and Battlefield: Bad Company 1 & 2 from sale. At that time, EA explained it was shifting focus towards its current and future Battlefield experiences.
Currently, with Battlefield 2042 receiving new content, there is no information on when a new entry in the series will be released. However, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has mentioned that the project has "the largest development team in history."
EA's Delisting of Battlefield Games
EA's decision to delist older Battlefield games signifies a shift in focus towards newer titles and future developments. While it marks the end of an era for these classics, it also highlights EA's commitment to evolving the Battlefield franchise. Players can still enjoy single-player modes, ensuring these games retain their legacy despite the online services shutdown.
Source: Insider Gaming
Comments