Electronic Arts has shut down multiple AAA game servers throughout October 2025, permanently removing online functionality from several titles while keeping them available for purchase. The shutdowns include NHL 21, Need for Speed: Rivals, Madden NFL 22, and FIFA 23, marking a significant reduction in EA’s legacy game support [1][2].
October 2025 Server Shutdown Schedule
EA shut down four major games during October 2025, following a pattern of service removals that began earlier in the year [3][4]. NHL 21 servers went offline on October 6, followed by Need for Speed: Rivals on October 7 [5]. Madden NFL 22 is scheduled for shutdown on October 20, while FIFA 23 will cease operations on October 30 [6][7].
The Need for Speed: Rivals shutdown affects the 2013 release across PC and console platforms [8]. Developed by Ghost Games and published by EA, the racing title launched as a PlayStation 4 and Xbox One generation title. While the game received Metacritic ratings between 75 and 80, declining player counts on Steam showed fewer than 100 concurrent users before shutdown [9].
Impact on Players and Trophies
Once servers close, all online multiplayer modes become inaccessible. For Need for Speed: Rivals, this includes AllDrive mode and online racing features [10]. Two achievements on Xbox become unobtainable: Friendly Race and Buddy Bust, both requiring online play with friends.
FIFA 23 Marks End of EA Sports FIFA Era
The FIFA 23 shutdown on October 30 officially ends EA’s 32-year FIFA franchise, which began with FIFA International Soccer in 1993 [11][12]. EA’s partnership with FIFA ended in 2022 after licensing fee disputes, leading to the rebranding as EA Sports FC.
FIFA 23 was the final game released under the FIFA name before EA launched EA Sports FC 24 in 2023. The server closure removes Ultimate Team, Pro Clubs, and online co-op modes across Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S [13]. Offline modes including Career Mode and Kick-Off remain playable.
Controversy Over Game Preservation
The shutdown raises questions about digital game ownership, particularly as FIFA 23 was released only three years ago. The Stop Killing Games movement has petitioned for continued online access to purchased games, with the issue scheduled for UK parliamentary debate on November 3, 2025 [14].
EA’s 2025 Shutdown Trend
EA has shut down over a dozen games throughout 2025, including UFC 3 in February, NCAA 14 in March, and Madden NFL 21 in June [15]. The publisher also announced that Anthem servers will close in early 2026. Sports game fans have expressed disappointment with the accelerated shutdown frequency, noting that EA continues to sell affected titles without prominent disclosure of limited online functionality.
EA initially scheduled FIFA 23’s shutdown for December 12 but moved the date forward to October 30, giving players less time than originally announced [16]. This change reflects EA’s broader strategy of focusing resources on active franchises while retiring older titles.
The October 2025 shutdowns represent a significant shift in EA’s legacy game support, with four major titles losing online capabilities within a 24-day period while remaining commercially available for purchase.
