EA to Discontinue Online Services, Removing Three Classic Games from Digital Stores

We must acknowledge that modern video games have evolved into a form of service. Unlike the cartridge or disc-based games of yesteryear, contemporary video games rely heavily on digital stores and servers. Recently, EA announced that due to the closure of online services, three older games will be removed from digital storefronts in the coming weeks. After April 28th, players will be unable to purchase these titles.

Image: EA

These three games are all products of EA’s DICE studio, known worldwide for the Battlefield series. They include Battlefield: Bad Company, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Battlefield 1943. Notably, these three Battlefield games were developed using the first iteration of the Frostbite engine.

Although online services will be discontinued, Battlefield: Bad Company, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Battlefield 1943 feature single-player components, allowing players who have purchased the games to continue enjoying portions of the experience. However, multiplayer and any internet-dependent features will become inaccessible. As Battlefield 1943 is an entirely online game, EA’s decision renders it unplayable in the future.

For those who have not yet experienced these games, their removal represents a loss, as they are all considered classic titles. While the Battlefield 2042 Portal mode offers a multiplayer experience from Battlefield: Bad Company, it cannot truly replace the original.