Game Over: A Recap of Major Game Closures in 2023 – The Rise and Fall of Online Experiences
by
chouayeb
2024/01/01 14:00
overall
In 2023, several notable online games faced an unfortunate demise, leaving players and fans disappointed. The challenges of sustaining a successful game in a competitive market became evident as even well-conceived titles struggled to secure a lasting foothold. Let's take a look at the major games that shut down during the year, listed according to their final announcements:
Spellbreak - Closed on January 10, 2023
Spellbreak, a unique battle royale game with a magical twist, had garnered around five million players by 2020. However, after being acquired by Blizzard, the game faced closure just two years later.
Rumbleverse - Closed on February 28, 2023
Despite its engaging concept of a wrestling-themed battle royale, Rumbleverse failed to attract enough players since its release in 2022. The game, characterized by a playful art style and a mix of wrestling moves and fighting mechanics, shut down after a brief six-month stint.
Babylon's Fall - Closed on February 27, 2023
Platinum Games' fantasy action game, Babylon's Fall, struggled to captivate players with its monotonous quests and bland aesthetic. The studio decided to shut it down after only six months, marking a departure from the success of their previous titles.
Knockout City - Closed on June 6, 2023
Despite attracting over 12 million players, Knockout City, a team-based dodgeball game, faced closure after just two years. The small studio behind the game, Velan Studios, cited sustainability issues as the reason for shutting down.
Only Up! - Closed on September 8, 2023
Only Up! gained attention for its absurd premise of climbing on floating objects until reaching outer space. However, accusations of asset ripping, copyright infringement, and NFT promotion plagued the solo developer, leading to the game's removal from Steam.
Call of Duty: Warzone/Warzone Caldera - Closed on September 21, 2023
Activision's highly successful battle royale spin-off, Call of Duty: Warzone, underwent a rebranding but eventually shut down after three years. The closure left players without the cosmetics they had purchased, highlighting the unpredictable nature of live service games.
The Cycle: Frontier - Closed on September 27, 2023
The Cycle: Frontier, a PvPvE extraction shooter, faced challenges with cheaters and a dwindling player base. Despite its unique alien aesthetic, the game's success was short-lived, prompting its closure after a little over a year.
Gundam Evolution - Closed on November 29, 2023
A team-based mech FPS reminiscent of 2016's Overwatch, Gundam Evolution failed to maintain its player count in the last year. Bandai Namco, in a final update, expressed gratitude to players but confirmed the game's closure.
Battlefield: Bad Company 1 and 2, and Battlefield 1943 - Closed on December 8, 2023
EA's decision to shut down three Battlefield games, including the acclaimed Bad Company series and Battlefield 1943, marked the end of an era for fans who had spent years enjoying these multiplayer experiences.
The Day Before - Planned Shutdown on January 22
The Day Before, a highly anticipated survival MMO, turned into a disappointment as the game, riddled with issues, faced closure just four days after its November launch. Despite being unlisted for purchase, it remains technically playable until the planned shutdown in January.
The closure of these games serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by developers in the ever-evolving landscape of online gaming. Despite initial promise and player engagement, sustaining a game's success over the long term proves to be a formidable task.
