EA cans online servers to encourage 07 uptake

EA is facing cries of cynicism from all quarters, after announcing that it is going to shut down 29 online games servers between now and October. Most of which service EA Sports titles of a certain age - so the company's message seems to be: "If you want to play our games online, you'd better buy the 2007 version".

In a press release which was quietly sneaked out and hastily buried, EA said: "Servers for the games listed below will be shut down on the indicated dates. You may continue to play the games online up until these dates, but certain community programs may begin to close down prior to the shutdown dates. All of us at EA would like to thank you for your valued participation in our online gaming community and hope that your enthusiasm for these games extends to our current lineup and beyond." Some would say that it is moves like these that should dampen the public's enthusiasm for the obligatory yearly Electronic Arts updates.

If you're a keen exponent of EA's online games, the list of servers that the company is shutting down proceeds thus:

August 1, 2006 Online Service Shutdown
FIFA Soccer 2005 for PS2
FIFA Soccer 2005 for Xbox
FIFA Soccer 2005 Demo for Xbox
FIFA Soccer 2005 for PC
EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2 for PS2
EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2 for Xbox
NCAA March Madness 2005 for PS2
NCAA March Madness 2005 for Xbox
NBA LIVE 2005 for Xbox
NBA LIVE 2005 for PC
NBA LIVE 05 for PS2
NBA STREET V3 for PS2
NBA STREET V3 for Xbox
NCAA Football 2005 for PS2
Need for Speed Underground 2 Demo for PC
Need for Speed Underground 2 for PC
Need for Speed Underground 2 for Xbox
NHL 2005 for PS2
NHL 2005 for Xbox
NHL 2005 for PC
Total Club Manager 06 for PS2
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005 for PS2
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005 for PC

October 1, 2006 Online Service Shutdown
Madden NFL 2005 for PS2
Madden NFL 2005 for Xbox
Madden NFL 2005 for PC