EA has decided to shut down online services for three older Battlefield games by November this year. These games—Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4, and Battlefield: Hardline—will no longer be available for purchase on digital stores for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 starting July 31st.
The decision to terminate online services for these games will take effect on November 7th, 2024. While multiplayer components will be shut down, EA has assured players that the single-player modes will remain accessible. It’s important to note that these changes only affect the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions; the games will continue to be playable on PC and newer consoles like Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Although EA has not specified the exact reasons behind this decision, a provided FAQ suggests that such actions are typically taken due to legal considerations or to reallocate resources based on player demands. The company emphasized that every game reaches a point in its lifecycle where removing it from online stores becomes necessary.
This move follows EA’s previous decision to withdraw Battlefield 1943 and Battlefield: Bad Company 1 & 2 from sale last year. The rationale then was to refocus efforts on current and future Battlefield projects, aligning with strategic shifts in their game development priorities.
The removal of these Battlefield titles from digital storefronts signifies EA’s ongoing strategy to streamline its gaming portfolio and prioritize newer gaming experiences. Players who wish to experience these classic Battlefield titles online are encouraged to do so before the scheduled shutdown in November.