EA shuts down multiple Battlefield games in the shadow of Black Ops 6 success
In the coming weeks and months, EA will be discontinuing a series of games, and Battlefield is experiencing one of the biggest changes. Three of its older Battlefield titles have been discontinued, which is a heavy blow to players who still enjoy playing these chapters on older consoles. After the discontinuation on November 7th, three Battlefield titles have lost significant support, and the timing of EA’s decision may have been poorly chosen.
While many players still enjoy using their seventh-generation consoles, EA has discontinued three Battlefield games for Xbox 360 and PS3. Of course, these consoles have now aged, but for players who still long for these older versions, it is a bittersweet ending. This not only marks the end of an era for Battlefield on Xbox 360 and PS3, but also comes at an unfortunate time. After the recent success of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, EA’s discontinuation of three different Battlefield games is not a good sign for the company or the franchise.
EAs Battlefield shutdown lies in the shadow of Black Ops 6 success
Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Battlefield being taken down
- Battlefield 3
- Battlefield 4
- Battlefield: Hardline
It has been a tough week for many fans of the Battlefield series. In addition to the discontinuation of these three titles, a recent interview with former Battlefield developer Thaddeus Sasser shed light on why there was never a sequel to Battlefield: Hardline. Fortunately, Battlefield: Hardline and Battlefield 4 are still playable on last and current generation consoles, but it still hurts for those who have many fond memories of these titles on Xbox 360 and PS3. Unfortunately, Battlefield 3 was never released for PS4 or Xbox One, making this discontinuation even more significant than the others.
To the other games that EA has discontinued in November, FIFA 22 and NBA Live 18 belong.
EA failing to pit Battlefield against Black Ops 6
Over the years, Battlefield and Call of Duty have maintained a healthy rivalry, making the release of a new Black Ops installment the perfect opportunity to compete with Activision. Although both franchises have had some difficult years, the success of Black Ops 6 has turned the tide for Call of Duty and makes the future look more optimistic. This success and the discontinuation of Battlefield games make Call of Duty seem even more successful due to the situation and timing. Even if only old console versions of these Battlefield games are discontinued, this does not shed a positive light on EA, as such discontinuation processes can be controversially discussed.
EA and Battlefield will need more positive plans going into 2025
Proving that Battlefield is still a worthy contender
After Battlefield 2042 was met with mixed reviews upon release, the franchise will need a strong recovery with its next installment. If Battlefield wants to compete with Black Ops 6 and the overall Call of Duty brand, the upcoming updates in 2025 need to send more positive signals about the state of the franchise. EA’s tendency to discard games can be frustrating for many, especially for one of the company’s most popular games.
EA will discontinue nine more games in January 2025, but currently no Battlefield titles are on the list.
The good news is that the first news about the next Battlefield is promising. Reports of a return to a modern setting could be a good sign for fans of Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 and hopefully make up for the disruptions. Time will tell, but whatever the next Battlefield brings, it will hopefully give the franchise a chance to come back strong.