Can You Still Play Anthem? A 2024 Update

Hey gamers, remember Anthem? That ambitious action RPG from BioWare that promised so much but... well, things didn't quite pan out the way we hoped. You might be wondering, "Can you still play Anthem?" If so, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll dive deep into the current state of Anthem, addressing whether you can still jump into those Javelin exosuits, what the experience looks like in 2024, and what the future holds for this once-promising title. So, let's get into it, shall we?

The Anthem Story: A Quick Recap

Before we answer the burning question of whether Anthem is still playable, let's rewind and take a quick trip down memory lane. Anthem was released in February 2019, and it had a lot of hype surrounding it. The game was set in a vibrant, alien world where players, as Freelancers, donned customizable Javelin exosuits to battle dangerous creatures and factions. The core gameplay loop involved completing missions, gathering loot, and upgrading your Javelin to take on more challenging content. Graphically, Anthem was a stunner. The environments were breathtaking, the Javelin designs were slick, and the combat was initially pretty engaging. The movement felt incredibly fluid, and the idea of soaring through the air in your Iron Man-esque suit was undeniably cool.

However, problems quickly emerged. Despite the promising trailers and initial excitement, Anthem was plagued by a myriad of issues. The story was disjointed and uninspired, the endgame content was lacking, and the promised features were either missing or poorly implemented. The loot system felt unrewarding, and the game suffered from technical problems, including bugs, glitches, and server instability. The game’s development was troubled. BioWare struggled to deliver on their promises. The overall experience failed to live up to the expectations that the trailers and initial previews had set. The game was reviewed harshly by critics and quickly fell out of favor with players. The release was a huge disappointment to both fans and the development team. The community expressed their dissatisfaction with the game, and the active player base dwindled rapidly. This led to serious questions about the future of Anthem and whether the developers would be able to save it. Unfortunately, despite several attempts to address the issues, Anthem never truly recovered from its rocky launch. The game's issues were too deep-seated, and BioWare made the difficult decision to pull the plug on significant updates and new content.

So, it's safe to say that the initial launch of Anthem was not successful. The game's potential was never truly realized. The challenges the game faced, particularly in its early days, continue to influence the discussion around Anthem today. This sets the stage for our main question: Can you still play this game?

Playing Anthem in 2024: The Current Status

Alright, let's cut to the chase: Can you play Anthem in 2024? The answer is yes, you can. The servers for Anthem are still up and running, which means you can still log in, create a Freelancer, and experience the game's core gameplay. You can still fly around in your Javelin, shoot enemies, and complete missions. However, it's essential to temper your expectations. While the game is technically playable, it's not receiving any new content updates or significant support from BioWare. The development team has moved on to other projects, and Anthem is essentially in maintenance mode. This means that what you see is what you get.

What does this mean for your gameplay experience? Well, you can still experience the existing story missions, explore the open world, and team up with other players to tackle content. The core combat and movement mechanics remain enjoyable, and the graphics still hold up pretty well. But you won't find any new missions, events, or gameplay improvements. Any issues or bugs that remain in the game will likely persist, as there is no active development to address them. The player base is significantly smaller than it was at launch. You may find it more challenging to find other players to team up with, especially for specific activities or at certain times of the day. The in-game store is still active, but the items available are limited, and there is no new content. Given the current state of Anthem, your overall experience depends on what you're looking for. If you're a returning player hoping for new content, you'll be disappointed. If you're a new player interested in experiencing the core gameplay, you might find it enjoyable, but understand that the game is unfinished.

The absence of new content, combined with the game's initial shortcomings, shapes the Anthem experience today. The game's future is uncertain, and there are no signs of a revival. This provides a clear picture of the state of the game in 2024. Therefore, playing Anthem in 2024 is possible, but it comes with certain limitations and expectations.

The Anthem NEXT Project: What Happened?

One of the most significant moments in Anthem's history was the announcement of Anthem NEXT. In the wake of the game's troubled launch, BioWare committed to overhauling Anthem and addressing its core problems. The team spent months working on a new vision for the game, including significant changes to the loot system, progression, story, and more. This project was called Anthem NEXT. The goal was to revitalize the game and bring it back from the brink of oblivion. However, after a long period of development, BioWare announced that they were discontinuing the Anthem NEXT project. This was a massive blow to the Anthem community. After months of anticipation and hope, the news signaled the end of any potential major updates for the game.

The decision to cancel Anthem NEXT was a complex one, likely influenced by various factors, including the resources required, the challenges of rebuilding the game, and the shifting priorities of BioWare and its parent company, Electronic Arts. The cancellation of Anthem NEXT effectively sealed the game's fate. With no further development planned, Anthem was left in its existing state, a reminder of what could have been. The cancellation of Anthem NEXT was a disappointment. It was a clear indicator that the game's future was uncertain, and fans' hopes for the game's resurgence were dashed.

This decision prompted discussions about the long-term viability of the game. Anthem was a case study in the risks of ambitious game development, and the difficulties of turning around a troubled project. This event significantly affected the Anthem community. The end of Anthem NEXT project was a key turning point in the game's life cycle. It marked the end of an era and confirmed that the game would not be receiving the major overhaul that the fans had eagerly anticipated.

What the Future Holds for Anthem

Unfortunately, the future of Anthem looks bleak. Given that BioWare has ceased active development on the game, it's highly unlikely that we'll see any major updates, new content, or significant changes in the future. The game is essentially in a state of stasis. While the servers are still running, and you can still play the existing content, there's no official roadmap for the game. There are no plans to add new missions, expand the story, or address any remaining issues. The community remains active, and players still occasionally team up to play missions and share their experiences. However, the player base is relatively small. The long-term future of the game remains uncertain.

BioWare has moved on to other projects, including the next installments in the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises. The focus is now on these games, which have a far greater chance of commercial success and critical acclaim. While there's always a chance that BioWare might revisit Anthem in the future, it is highly unlikely. The cost of reviving the game would be substantial. The development team would need to overhaul many aspects of the game to bring it up to modern standards. There is a higher risk of the project failing again. Therefore, the most realistic expectation is that Anthem will remain in its current state, available for those who wish to experience the existing content. The game will likely continue to exist as a memory. It will serve as a lesson for the industry about the challenges of game development. The future of Anthem is not bright, and players should not expect any further developments.

Should You Play Anthem in 2024?

So, the million-dollar question: Should you play Anthem in 2024? The answer depends on your expectations and what you're looking for in a game. If you're looking for a cutting-edge, constantly evolving live service game, Anthem is not it. The game is not being updated, and there is no guarantee of how long the servers will remain active. However, if you're a curious gamer interested in experiencing the core gameplay, the game is still playable.

Anthem offers stunning graphics, fluid movement, and enjoyable combat mechanics. It is a visually beautiful game that provides a unique gameplay experience. If you are a fan of action RPGs and enjoy the idea of soaring through the air in a customizable exosuit, you might still find some enjoyment in Anthem. However, it's essential to manage your expectations. Be prepared for a game that feels unfinished. There's a lack of content, and there might be some lingering issues. If you are a new player or a returning player looking for a nostalgic experience, you might enjoy playing Anthem. If you are looking for a complete and polished experience, then Anthem might not be the right choice for you. Consider the game's limitations before investing your time.

In conclusion, Anthem is still playable in 2024, but it is a flawed game. The experience is limited by the absence of new content, bugs, and a dwindling player base. If you are interested in playing the game, you should set reasonable expectations. Given its current state, Anthem remains a fascinating glimpse into what could have been. It is a reminder of the game's potential that was ultimately never realized. Whether you choose to play Anthem in 2024 is up to you. But make sure you go in with your eyes open, knowing what you're getting yourself into.

That's it, folks! I hope this helps you get a clear picture of the situation with Anthem in 2024. Happy gaming!