A Wave of Shutdowns
Electronic Arts has confirmed that four of its long‑standing sports titles will be taken offline in the coming weeks. The NHL 22 servers will go dark on August 31 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, and the same date marks the end of NHL 23’s online services on those platforms. NBA LIVE Mobile’s online infrastructure is scheduled to be shut down on October 27, while Grid Legends will see its servers closed on September 11 across Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and all PlayStation consoles.
The moves affect a sizable portion of the community that still enjoys these legacy experiences. Grid Legends, launched in 2022, had introduced new cars, story missions, tracks and a variety of cosmetic content, but the decision reflects EA’s strategy to concentrate resources on newer, more actively played franchises.
What’s Coming Next
While the closures signal the end of an era for several titles, EA is simultaneously preparing its next big release. NHL 27 is slated to hit the market on September 11, with pre‑orders already open and an early‑access window reserved for owners of premium editions. This timeline places the launch just days after the Grid Legends shutdown, suggesting a deliberate pivot toward the newest installment.
The company has not detailed what the early‑access period will entail, but it promises premium owners a head start on content and features that will shape the next chapter of the franchise. As EA phases out older titles, the focus appears to be on delivering fresh experiences that can sustain player engagement in the competitive sports‑gaming landscape.