Look, I'm not trying to ruin your day, but I've got some pretty crappy news if you're still playing any of these titles. A bunch of game servers are shutting down this year, and it's gonna hurt.
I found out about this last night while doom-scrolling through gaming news instead of sleeping (it was like 2AM and I have zero self-control). My first thought? "Well, there goes another $60 down teh drain." Because of course I own three of these games.
The Digital Graveyard Grows
More than a dozen major games are pulling the plug on their servers in 2025, which basically means you can kiss those online features goodbye. Forever. Some of the casualties include titles from Resident Evil, WWE, and the Madden NFL series.
This happens every year, but it still stings. Studios shut down servers when player numbers drop below profitable levels. My buddy Jake works at a mid-sized studio and told me over drinks last week, "We kept our servers running two years longer than made financial sense just because the community was so passionate." His boss's response: "Never again."
God. Remember when we actually OWNED the games we bought?
First on the Chopping Block
Dauntless is dying on May 29th. That's like... next week. The action RPG that launched back in 2019 is getting completely shut down across all platforms - Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
The developers blamed it on "negative public reception of TK and subsequent decline of active players." Translation: not enough people are playing anymore to justify keeping the lights on. That planned season 2 content? Not happening.
I actually sank about 40 hours into Dauntless back when it launched. Feels weird knowing it'll just... disappear.
Wait, MultiVersus Too?!
Yep. MultiVersus servers go dark on May 30th. This one hurts because it featured all those Warner Bros characters from DC, Looney Tunes, and more. My nephew and I had this whole routine where he'd play Bugs Bunny and I'd be Batman. Kid's gonna be devastated.
There is one tiny silver lining though. The developers are letting players access MultiVersus offline through local gameplay "either solo against AI opponents or with up to three friends." To keep this option, you need to install the latest version and log in during Season 5 before everything shuts down.
The Rest of the Funeral Schedule
June is particularly brutal with five games getting the axe. July claims two more victims, then September, October, and December round out the year with five more digital casualties.
Here's when each game server flatlines:
• xDefiant – June 3
• The First Descendant – June 19
• Black Desert – June 26
• Resident Evil ReVerse – June 29
• Madden NFL 21 – June 30
• Arizona Sunshine – July 1
• Skyworld – July 1
• Danmachi Battle Chronicle – September 29
• WWE 2K24 – September 30
• Madden NFL 22 – October 20
• PGA Tour 2K21 – October 30
• NBA 2K24 – December 31
I'm especially annoyed about WWE 2K24 shutting down in September. Like... didn't that just come out? I spent $70 on that game adn now major features will be gone before the year ends. This is why people pirate games.
The Digital Dumpster Fire
Back in 2018, I wrote this whole passionate blog post about digital ownership and how we're all just renting access to content these days. Seven years later and nothing's changed except we're losing even more games even faster.
I wonder how many of these will be preserved somehow. Probably none.
Pour one out for these soon-to-be-departed games. Or better yet, go play them while you still can.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I report cheating or toxic behavior in games?
Most games have built-in reporting systems that allow players to report cheating or toxic behavior. This can typically be done through the game's interface, where you can provide details about the incident. Developers take these reports seriously to maintain a fair gaming environment.
What is esports and why is it growing?
Esports refers to organized, competitive video gaming, often featuring professional players and teams. The growth of esports can be attributed to increased viewership, sponsorship deals, and the rise of online streaming platforms, making it accessible to a global audience.
What are the most popular gaming platforms today?
The most popular gaming platforms today include consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as well as PCs equipped with high-performance hardware. Mobile gaming has also surged in popularity with platforms like iOS and Android. Each platform offers unique experiences tailored to different types of gamers.
How does online gaming work?
Online gaming allows players to connect and compete with others over the internet. This is facilitated through game servers that host the game environment and manage player interactions. Players can join matches, participate in cooperative gameplay, or engage in competitive tournaments through these networks.
What is the difference between single-player and multiplayer games?
Single-player games are designed for one player to complete the game independently, while multiplayer games allow multiple players to interact, compete, or cooperate in real-time. Each format offers a distinct gaming experience tailored to different preferences.
How do game developers monetize their products?
Game developers monetize their products through various methods, including direct sales, subscriptions, in-game purchases, and advertising. The choice of monetization strategy often depends on the game type and target audience.
Statistics
- The global gaming market is projected to reach a value of over $200 billion by 2023.
- Streaming platforms like Twitch have attracted over 140 million unique monthly visitors, demonstrating the popularity of game streaming.
- Approximately 63% of households in the United States have at least one person who plays video games regularly.
- More than 30% of gamers spend over 20 hours a week playing video games, indicating strong engagement among avid players.
- Esports viewership surpassed 500 million people globally in 2022, highlighting the increasing interest in competitive gaming.
- Mobile gaming accounts for nearly 50% of the total gaming revenue, reflecting its growing popularity.
- Women represent nearly 41% of gamers, challenging the stereotype that gaming is predominantly male-dominated.
- Over 80% of mobile gamers play for fun, while around 20% engage in gaming for competition.
External Links
How To
How to Build a Gaming PC on a Budget
Building a gaming PC on a budget involves careful planning and research. Start by determining your budget and prioritizing components based on your gaming needs. Choose a balanced combination of CPU, GPU, and RAM that offers good performance for the price. Consider purchasing used or refurbished parts to save money. Websites like PCPartPicker can help you compare prices and ensure compatibility between components. Don’t forget to invest in a quality power supply and cooling system. Finally, assemble your PC by following online guides or videos that provide step-by-step instructions.
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