EA is Shutting Down Multiple Battlefield Games At The Worst Possible Time

There are a variety of games that EA is set to shut down in the coming weeks and months, and Battlefield is getting one of the biggest shake-ups. Battlefield has seen three of its older titles get the axe, which is a considerable blow to players who still enjoy playing these chapters on older generation consoles. After the shut-down on November 7, three Battlefield titles have lost a ton of support, and the timing from EA may have been poorly executed.

Despite gamers who still enjoyed spending time on their seventh generation consoles, EA has brought an end to a trio of Battlefield games on the Xbox 360 and PS3. Of course, these consoles are well-aged at this point, but it marks a bittersweet ending for gamers who still hold nostalgia for these older versions. Not only does this mark the end of an era for Battlefield on Xbox 360 and PS3, but it also comes at a bad time. With the recent success of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, EA taking down three different Battlefield games isn’t exactly a good look for the company or the franchise.

EA’s Battlefield Shut-Down Lies in the Shadow of Black Ops 6’s Success

Xbox 360 and PS3 Versions of Battlefield Being Taken Down

• Battlefield 3
• Battlefield 4
• Battlefield: Hardline

It’s been a rough week for many fans of the Battlefield franchise. In addition to the shut-down of these three entries, a recent interview with ex-Battlefield dev Thaddeus Sasser gave insight as to why a sequel to Battlefield: Hardline never happened. Thankfully, Battlefield: Hardline and Battlefield 4 can be played on last generation and current generation consoles, but it still stings for those who created many fond memories of experiencing these listed titles on Xbox 360 and PS3. Unfortunately, though, Battlefield 3 was never released for the PS4 or Xbox One, which makes this shut-down far more significant than the others.

EA Failing to Pit Battlefield Against Black Ops 6

Through the years, Battlefield and Call of Duty have enjoyed a healthy rivalry with one another, which would have made the launch of a new Black Ops entry the perfect chance to go head-to-head with Activision. Although both franchises have faced a rocky few years, the success of Black Ops 6 has seemingly turned the tides for Call of Duty, making its future look more optimistic. Between this success and the shut-down of Battlefield games, the optics of the situation and timing only make Call of Duty look that much more successful. Even if only old console versions of these Battlefield games are being shuttered, it still doesn’t showcase EA in a positive light, since shut-downs like this can be controversial.

EA and Battlefield Will Need More Positive Plans Going Into 2025

Proving That Battlefield is Still a Worthy Contender

After Battlefield 2042 launched to heavily mixed reviews, the franchise has a lot to bounce back from with its next entry. If Battlefield wants to compete with Black Ops 6, and the Call of Duty brand as a whole, then any forthcoming updates in 2025 will have to bode more positively when it comes to the state of the franchise. EA’s tendency to shutter games can be a source of frustration for many, especially with one of the company’s most popular properties.

On the bright side, the first bits of news about the next Battlefield seem promising. Reports of returning to a modern setting could be a great sign for Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 fans, which could hopefully make up for these shut-downs. Only time will tell, but whatever the next Battlefield holds, it will hopefully bring an opportunity for the franchise to come back strong.

Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter that marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. With the help of a cutting-edge arsenal, engage in intense, immersive multiplayer battles.

Lead your team to victory in both large all-out warfare and close-quarters combat on maps from the world of 2042 and classic Battlefield titles. Find your playstyle in class-based gameplay and take on several experiences comprising elevated versions of Conquest and Breakthrough. Explore Battlefield Portal, a platform where players can discover, create, and share unexpected battles from Battlefield’s past and present.

This game includes optional in-game purchases of virtual currency that can be used to acquire virtual in-game items.

Released

November 19, 2021

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

Frostbite

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence

How Long To Beat

N/A

X|S Optimized

Yes

File Size Xbox Series

84 GB (June 2023)

OpenCritic Rating

Weak

Cross-Platform Play

PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S and PS4 & Xbox One

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