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GOG Chief Calls Multiplayer Game Preservation 'Very Complex' After Anthem Shutdown

GOG's managing director warns that mandates for perpetual support could shrink the number of new games.

Overview

  • EA has switched off BioWare's Anthem servers, rendering the online-only game inaccessible.
  • Maciej Gołębiewski says restoring multiplayer titles involves IP ownership hurdles, technical challenges, and commercial viability.
  • Consumer groups like Stop Killing Games are pushing for EU rules that require end-of-life options such as offline modes or community-run servers.
  • Some studios have offered partial solutions, including an offline mode for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and private-server tools for Knockout City.
  • Reports suggest Anthem had local server infrastructure during development, though any community handoff would require EA to recover and release code and remains uncertain.