All good things must come to an end, and in the world of online gaming, that end is often a server shutdown. Electronic Arts just announced it's pulling the plug on the online services for four of its titles this October, and the list includes a fan-favorite that stings a little extra: Need for Speed Rivals. If you’ve got fond memories of battling cops and racers in Redview County, it’s time to pour one out and plan a few final sessions.
EA is trimming its portfolio, and the online servers for the following games are scheduled to go dark in October 2025: While the single-player campaigns should still be accessible, the online features that give these games their longevity-multiplayer matches, leaderboards, and community interactions-will be gone for good.
- NHL 21: October 6, 2025
- Need for Speed Rivals: October 7, 2025
- Madden NFL 22: October 20, 2025
- FIFA 23: October 30, 2025
The End of the Road for Rivals
Losing another round of sports titles is expected, but the shutdown of Need for Speed Rivals hits differently. Launched way back in 2013, it was a flagship title for the then-brand-new PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. For many, it was one of the first true "next-gen" racing experiences that defined the early years of that console generation.
What made Rivals special was its "AllDrive" system. Think of it like a shared highway for you and your friends. Instead of sitting in menus and lobbies, the game seamlessly blended single-player and multiplayer. Your friend could be in a high-speed chase on their screen, and you could just drive over and join the chaos in real-time. It made the open world feel alive and unpredictable. With the servers going down, that core, dynamic experience is effectively being erased, leaving behind only the single-player shell of the game.
Why Is EA Pulling the Plug?
So, why the sudden shutdown? The answer is pretty straightforward and not very dramatic. According to EA, after nearly a dozen years, the number of active online players in Need for Speed Rivals has dwindled. Maintaining servers costs money and manpower, and the company has decided it's time to reallocate those resources to newer titles, like the more recent Need for Speed Unbound.
It’s a classic case of business logistics. As player bases for older games shrink, it becomes harder to justify the upkeep. This isn't just about Rivals; the inclusion of relatively newer titles like FIFA 23 and Madden 22 shows this is part of a regular, broader strategy to sunset older online services and push players toward the latest installments.
One Last Ride
The shutdown marks the end of an era for a game that perfected the high-stakes rivalry between cops and racers. While the solo gameplay will remain, the soul of Rivals was always in its shared world. You have until October 7, 2025, to log in, challenge some friends, and bust a few racers one last time. It was a great run, but now it’s time for the checkered flag.