Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that it will be delisting Battlefield 1943, Bad Company 1, and Bad Company 2 in April 2023. This means that the games will no longer be available for purchase on digital storefronts such as Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, and Origin. The decision has sparked discussions about the importance of preserving video game history and the impact of digital delisting on players who own these games.
What is Delisting and Why Does it Happen?
Delisting refers to the removal of a game from digital storefronts such as Steam, PlayStation Network, or Xbox Live. The reasons for delisting vary, but often it is due to licensing agreements, expired contracts, or low sales. In some cases, a game may be delisted if the developer or publisher goes out of business.
When a game is delisted, players who own the game can still download and play it, but it will no longer be available for purchase. This means that if a player wants to play a delisted game in the future, they will need to find a physical copy or purchase it from a third-party marketplace.
Impact on Players
The delisting of Battlefield 1943, Bad Company 1, and Bad Company 2 will impact players who own these games. While they will still be able to download and play the games, they will no longer be able to purchase them on digital storefronts. This means that players who do not already own the games will not have the opportunity to purchase them in the future.
In addition, the delisting may impact the player community for these games. As the games become harder to obtain, it may be more difficult for new players to join and for existing players to find opponents. This could lead to a decline in the player base and ultimately impact the longevity of the games.