‘Anthem’ Is the Latest Video Game Casualty. What Should End-of-Life Care Look Like for Games?

Recently, the once highly anticipated video game ‘Anthem’ has officially been declared dead by its developers. The game, released in 2019, failed to live up to its potential and suffered from a lack of updates and support from its creators.

This begs the question: what should end-of-life care look like for video games? Just like any other form of entertainment, games have a lifespan and eventually reach a point where they are no longer sustainable or profitable. But what responsibility do developers have to their players when this happens?

One possible solution is to release the game’s code to the public, allowing fans to continue supporting and updating the game themselves. This has been done successfully with other games in the past, such as ‘Quake III Arena’ and ‘Doom.’

Another option is to offer a final update that gives players some closure and a proper send-off. This could include special events, in-game memorials, or even the ability to unlock previously unavailable content.

Ultimately, the goal should be to preserve the legacy of the game and respect the time and money that players have invested in it. While it may be difficult to say goodbye to a beloved game, providing a proper end-of-life care plan can help ease the transition and ensure that the game is remembered fondly by its community.

In conclusion, the death of ‘Anthem’ serves as a reminder that video games are not immortal and must be treated with care and respect, even in their final days. By developing a thoughtful end-of-life care plan, developers can ensure that their games are remembered for the joy and entertainment they brought to players, rather than the disappointment of their demise.