The discussion surrounding the shutdown of live service titles has gained traction with the rise of the Stop Killing Games initiative. Recently, Mark Darrah, who was the executive producer of the widely criticized MMO, Anthem, shared his thoughts ahead of its impending closure in early 2026 after a turbulent seven-year lifespan.

Darrah articulated, “I always knew it was going to go away eventually,” expressing the anguish that comes with seeing a significant project fade away, much like a sandcastle washed away by the tide.

He pointed out that the trend of prematurely ending live service games is a complex issue, suggesting that there exist potential compromises that could allow them to persist longer. As an example, he referenced Destiny’s peer-to-peer hosting arrangement, which, while costly, enables continued gameplay even after a developer pulls its support.

Reflecting on potential changes in game architecture, he emphasized, “Anthem could have been built in a way where this wouldn’t have been necessary,” hinting at the sacrifices that may be demanded to ensure longevity in gaming experiences.

This topic resonates with gamers who have invested time and money in projects that may abruptly disappear. Darrah’s sentiments light the way for deeper discussions on what the future holds for live service games and their sustainability in the gaming market.