EA Announces Shutdown of Free-to-Play Games

Publishing giant Electronic Arts is shutting down some of its free-to-play titles, taking them offline in mid-July–in approximately 90 days. Worry not, Star Wars: The Old Republic fans, your game is safe. The games being brought offline include Battlefield Heroes, Battlefield Play4Free, Need for Speed World and FIFA World. 

In light of the news, EA's Patrick Soderlund took the opportunity to state that Star Wars: The Old Republic will be growing even larger with the addition of new story-driven game updates later this year. 

"For instance, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a game that continues to have a very enthusiastic and growing player community," he wrote. "We have plans to introduce more new story-driven game updates to our Star Wars: The Old Republic players this year."

As for the unlucky games, Soderlund expalined, "In more than five years since most of these titles launched, how we play games has changed dramatically.  These were pioneering experiences, and we’re humbled that, over the years, so many of you joined us to enjoy the games and the community.   

"While we say farewell to these free-to-play titles in the next few months, we are always exploring new concepts and ways to bring great games to more players around the world."