Overview

• Mark Darrah has released the first installment of a planned video series chronicling Anthem’s development from its early codename “Dylan” through 2017.
• The video details how EA’s belief that single-player games were obsolete drove BioWare to pursue a live-service model.
• Casey Hudson’s vision for a storytelling-focused, always-online title targeting ‘FIFA-like’ engagement generated early momentum but was largely unimplemented.
• Hudson’s departure in 2014 and ongoing disputes over resource allocation between flagship franchises left the project without clear creative leadership.
• Anthem flopped after its 2019 launch and is scheduled to go offline in early 2026, rendering it unplayable once servers shut down.