The rise of Web Games and MMOs has led to a particular form of Abandonware, as always-online games are upkeep-intensive and depend upon a consistent flow of players and profit to justify keeping the dedicated servers running. As a result, there will inevitably come a time when an online game is no longer supported by its creators. Perhaps the game simply wasn't successful enough to be worth maintaining, or the creators themselves folded, or maybe (as a Bittersweet Ending) there's a sequel that has made the original obsolete. Whatever the case, the servers will go down, and the game will no longer be sold commercially.
Sometimes, fans will create new servers to keep playing, or they will outright remake the game from the ground-up; but many games never see such a revival due to cease-and-desist orders, not enough fanbase to spark interest, a lack of source code or ways to reverse-engineer the server, or other reasons. However, this index is for online games that are no longer officially supported by their original developers. Whether they are supported by fans or not is not important to this page's categorization.
For online games that were never released to begin with, see Canceled Video Games. Related to Temporary Online Content, where game content is made available online for a limited amount of time, and can no longer be obtained after it is taken offline. Also related to Permanently Missable Content, where in this case the entire game is missed if you learnt of it after it is shut down, and you won't get to play it at all.
It's also worth noting that this trope is a major reason why DRM is controversial in the gamer community: DRM often requires connection to a server to verify the software as an anti-piracy measure. While the more benign variants of this will require it only once upon the initial install, even that can later make an otherwise offline game unplayable once a re-install of any sort is needed. Many games that have a single player component can be rendered defunct if you needed to sign in or otherwise connect to the internet at the start of the game (this can be inherent to the console too: try playing an Xbox game without internet). For simplicity, this page will stick to games whose major or only component was the online mode.
Services
- Dynamic Network Authentication System - Copy Protection for PlayStation 2 online multiplayer games (2003-2016)note
- Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection - Every online multiplayer video game for the Nintendo DS and Wii (2005-2014)
- PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store access for the PlayStation Portable (2004-2021) note
- Xbox Live 1.0 - Every online multiplayer video game for the original Xbox (2004-2010) note
Individual Games
- 22/7 Ongaku no Jikan (2020-2021)
- 8Realms (2011-2012)
- Ace Combat Infinity (2014-2018)
- Adventure Time Battle Party (2014-2017)
- Age of Armor (2007-2012)
- Age of Empires: Castle Siege (2014-2019)
- Age of Empires Online (2011-2014)
- ArchLord (2005-2014)
- ARGONAVIS from BanG Dream! AAside (2021-2022)
- Ascend: Hand of Kul (2013-2016)
- Asheron's Call (1999-2017)
- Asheron's Call 2: Fallen Kings (2002-2005)
- Asta Online (2017)
- Atlas Reactor (2016-2019)
- Auto Assault (2006-2007)
- Avalon Heroes (2009-2013)
- Avalon Rematch (2014-2015)
- Avatar High (200?-201?)
- Battleborn (2016-2021)
- Battle Cats Rangers (2017-2019)
- BattleForge (2009-2013)
- Battle Girl High School (2015-2019)
- Battlefield Heroes (2009-2015)
- Battlefield Play4Free (2011-2015)
- Battlestar Galactica Online (2011-2016)
- Bakugan Dimensions (2010-2011)
- BeatStream (2014-2017 - arcade operators had the option to receive kits to convert the game to Nostalgianote )
- Big Al Game (200?-201?)
- Big Bible Town (2010-201?)
- Big Fat Awesome House Party (2006-2009)
- Black Command (2018-2019)
- BlazBlue Alternative: Dark War (2021-2022)
- Blocksworld (2013-2020)
- Breach (2019)
- Build-A-Bear-Ville (2008-2015)
- Café World (2009-2014)
- Cars: Fast as Lightning (2014-2016)
- Chronicles of Spellborn (2008-2010)
- Chromehounds (2006-2010 - only the single player campaigns are playable, which ultimately serve as an extended tutorial for its defunct online)
- City of Heroes (2004-2012)
- City of Steam: Arkadia (2014-2016)
- Club Penguin (2005-2017)
- Club Penguin Island (2017-2018)note
- Cocktail Prince (2017-2018)
- Crasher (2011)
- CROSS×BEATS (2013-2018)
- The Culling (2017 - 2019)
- The Culling 2 (2018)
- Daily Life With Monster Girl Online (2015-2016)
- Dankira!!! -Boys, be DANCING!- (2019-2020)
- Darkfall (2009 MMORPG; no relation to the adventure game series Dark Fall) (2009-2012)
- Darkfall: Unholy Wars (2013-2016)
- Dark Nexus Arena (2015-2016)
- Darkspore (2011-2016)
- Dawngate (2013-2015)
- The Day Online (2018-2018)
- Dead Island: Epidemic (2014-2015)
- Dead Star (2016)
- Deathgarden (2018-2020)
- Deco Online (2008-2011)
- Defiance (2013 - 2021)
- Devil's Third Online (2016-2017)
- Digimon ReArise (2018-2022)
- Doctor Who Legacy (2013-2019)
- Doctor Who: Worlds in Time (2012-2014)
- Dragon Ball Online (2010-2013)
- Dragon Project (2016-2020)
- Dragon Tavern (2008-2022)
- Drawn to Death (2017-2019)
- Driveclub (2014-2020)
- Dr. Mario World (2019-2021)
- DUST 514 (2013-2016)
- Earth & Beyond (2002-2004)
- Earth Eternal (2009-2011)
- Earthrise (2011-2013)
- Eliminate Pro (2009-2012)
- Emil Chronicle Online (2005-2017)
- The End (2012) (2010-2017)
- Endless Ages (2003-2007)
- Erenor (2011-2015)
- Ether Saga Odyssey (2009-2016)
- EverQuest Online Adventures (2003-2012)
- EZ2ON series:
- RETRO EZ2ON (2008-2009)
- EZ2ON REBOOT (2013)note
- Face Of Mankind (2005-2015)
- Family Guy Online (2012-2013)
- Fantage (2008-2018)
- Feral (2020-2022)
- FIFA World (2013-2015)
- Fight League (2017-2020)
- Fight My Monster (2011-2016) note
- Firefall (2014-2017)
- Free Realms (2009-2014)
- Front Mission: Online (2005-2008)
- FusionFall (2008-2013)
- Game of Thrones: Ascent (2013-2019)
- Geomon (2010-2013)
- Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online (2015-2017)
- Gigantic (2017-2018)
- Glitch (2011-2012)
- Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising (2011-2012)
- Godzilla Kaiju Collection (2015-2016)
- Grandia Online (2009-2012)
- Gwisal-ui Geom (the infamous Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba mockbuster game) (2020)
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (2019-2022)
- Here Be Monsters (2012-2015)
- Hero: 108 Online (2010-2013)
- Heroes of Newerth (2010-2022)
- The Hook Up (200?-200?)
- Hoshinari Echoes (2019-2020)
- IDOLA: Phantasy Star Saga (2018-2022)note
- Impressive Title (2008-2010)note
- Infinite Crisis (2015-2015)
- Innerstar University (2010-2015)
- Invokers Tournament (2015-2019)
- InWorldz (2010-2018)
- Jump Force (2019-2022)
- Kaneva (2004-2016)
- Kingdom Hearts χ (2013-2016)
- Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ/Kingdom Hearts Union χ (2015-2021)
- Kisses And Curses (2016-2018)
- Knights of the Crystals (2010-2012)
- Kung Fu Panda World (2010-2012)
- Land of Chaos Online (2010-2012)
- Landmark (2016-2017)
- LawBreakers (2017-2018)
- Legends of Future Past (1992-2000)
- Legends of Norrath (2007-2016)
- Legends of Zork (2009-2011)
- LEGO Minifigures Online (2015-2016)
- LEGO Universe (2010-2012)
- LittleBigPlanet series:
- LittleBigPlanet (2008-2021)
- LittleBigPlanet 2 (2011-2021)
- LittleBigPlanet PS Vita (2012-2021)
- LittleBigPlanet Karting (2012-2018)
- Link Realms (2016-2018)
- Loadout (2014-2018)
- Lord of Ultima (2010-2014)
- Lost Reavers (2015-2019)
- Lovestruck (2017-2022)
- Lunia (2007-2013)
- MAG (2010-2014)
- Magicka: Wizard Wars (2014-2016)
- Marvel: Avengers Academy (2016-2019)
- Marvel: Avengers Alliance (2012-2016)
- Marvel Heroes (2012-2017)
- The Matrix Online (2004-2009)
- Millsberry (2004-2010)
- The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot (2013-2016)note
- Miitomo (2016-2018)
- Million Arthur (2014-2020)
- Mirage: Arcane Warfare (2017-2018)
- Metal Gear Online (Subsistence version) (2005-2007)
- Metal Gear Online (Guns of the Patriots version) (2008-2012)
- Metal Gear Online (The Phantom Pain version) (2015-2022 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 only.)
- Mobius Final Fantasy (2015-2020)
- Moirai (2014-2016)
- Monkey Quest (2011-2014)
- Monster Hunter:
- Monster Hunter Frontier (2007-2019)
- Monster Hunter Online (2013-2019)
- Moshi Monsters (2006-2019)
- My Monster Rancher (2011-2014)
- Motor City Online (2001-2003)
- Muv-Luv Alternative: Strike Frontier (2016-2018)
- Namu Amida Butsu! (2016-2018)
- Namu Amida Butsu! -UTENA- (2019-2020)
- Need for Speed: World (2010-2015)
- Neocron (2002-2004)
- Neocron 2 (2004-2010)
- Neo Steam (2009-2012)
- Neverwinter Nights (AOL) (1991-1997)
- Nickelodeon Clickamajigs (199?-2018)
- Nicktropolis (2007-2010)
- Nosgoth (2015-2016)
- On Air (2018-2020)
- Onverse (2009-2018)
- Outernauts (2012-2016)
- Outer Worlds (????-2014) (Not to be confused with Outer Wilds or The Outer Worlds)
- O2Jam PC (2002-around 2013)
- O2Jam Analog (2010-2013)
- O2Jam U (2012-2019)
- Pac Man Monsters (2014-2015)
- Pangya (2004-2016)
- Paragon (2016-2018)
- Pet Pet Park (2008-2014)
- Pet Society (2008-2013)
- Phantasy Star Online (2000-2008)
- Phantasy Star Universe (2006-2012)note
- Phoenix Chronicles Online (2007-2010)
- Pirates of the Caribbean Online (2007-2013)
- pixiehollow.com (2008-2013)
- PlanetSide (2003-2016)note
- PlanetSide Arena (2019-2020)
- Planet Mion (2006-2012)
- Play Station Home (2008-2015)
- Pop Stage (2007-2012)
- Pokémon Brick Bronze (2016-2018)
- Pokémon Duel (2016-2019)
- poupéegirl (2007-2015)
- Postopia (1999-2009)
- Project NOAH (2019-2020)
- Project Spark (2014-2016)
- Project of Planets Online (2009-2011)
- Puchiguru! Love Live! (2018-2019)
- Puzzle Fighter (2017-2018)
- Queen's Gambit (2014-2016)
- Radical Heights (2018-2018)
- Ravenwood Fair (2010-2013)
- Realms of Kaos (1996-2013)
- Remnants of Skystone (2008-2014)
- Resident Evil: Outbreak (2003-2007)
- Ridge Racer Driftopia (2013-2014)
- Rise of Immortals (2012-2013)
- Rockman Xover (2012-2015)
- ROSE Online (2005-2019)
- Rush Wars (2019)
- Rusty Hearts (2011-2014)
- RWBY: Amity Arena (2018-2021)
- R2Beat (2006-2014, Korea; 2006-2009, Japan; 2006-2019,
- S4 League (2007-2021)
- Saint Seiya Online (2013-2020)note
- Sakura Revolution (2020-2021)
- Scarlet Blade (2012-2016)
- SD Gundam Capsule Fighter (2007-2015)
- SEED (2006)
- Sega Heroes (2018-2020)
- Seven Dwarfs: The Queen's Return (2013-2014)
- Sins of a Dark Age (2015)
- Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE (2007-2016)
- The Sims Online (2001-2009)note
- Smash Land (2015)note
- Sonic Runners (2015-2016)
- Soulcalibur: Lost Swords (2014-2015)
- SpongeBob Moves In (2013-2021)
- StarBlood Arena (2017-2019)
- Stargate Resistance (2010-2011)
- Star Ocean: Anamnesis (2016-2021)
- StarQuest Online (2007-2014)
- Star Wars: Galaxies (2003-2011)
- Star Wars: Uprising (2015-2016)
- Super Hero Squad Online (2011-2017)
- Super Mario Bros. 35 (2020-2021)note
- Super Mario Maker (2015-2021)note
- Super Monday Night Combat (2012-2018)
- Super Robot Wars X-Ω (2015-2021)
- Super Sentai Legend Wars (2016-2020)
- Sword Art Online: Memory Defrag (2017-2021)
- Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain (2004-2008)
- Tabula Rasa (2009-2010)
- Tales Series:
- Tales of Link (2014-2018)
- Tales of Crestoria (2020-2022)
- Tales of Luminaria (2021-2022)
- Tekken Revolution (2013-2017)
- TERA (2011-2022)
- Terra Battle (2014-2020)
- Terra Battle 2 (2017-2018)
- Terra Wars (2019)
- The Battle for Cedar Point (2016-2021)
- The Battle for Kings Dominion (2017-2021)
- The Tomorrow Children (2016-2017)
- Tom Clancy universe:
- EndWar Online (2015-2016)
- Ghost Recon Phantoms (2012-2016)
- Tom Clancy's Elite Squad (2020-2021)
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 (2015-2017)
- Toontown Online (2003-2013)
- Touhou Cannonball (2019-2020)
- tranquility (2001-2010) note
- Transformers Universe (2014-2015)
- Trickster Online (2003-2013)
- TRON: Evolution (2010-2019)
- Twisted Metal: Black Online (2002-2008)
- Universal Century Gundam Online (2005-2007)
- Universal Monsters Online (2012-2013)
- Valkyrie Anatomia (2016-2021)
- Vanguard: Saga of Heroes (2007-2014)
- Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom (2005-2008)
- War of Legends (2010-2015)
- War of the Roses (2012-2017)
- War of the Vikings (2014-2017)
- Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade (2016-2021)
- Warhammer Online (2008-2013)
- Whirled (2008-2017)
- Wild Arms Million Memories (2018-2019)
- WildStar (2015-2019)
- The Wild Thornberrys: Australia Wildlife Rescue (20??-201?)
- Wizardry Online (2013-2014)
- WonderKing (2010-2011 NA; 2007-2014 globally)
- The World Of Cars Online (2008-2012)
- Yo-kai Watch: Medal Wars (2019-2020)
- Yumeiro Cast (2015-2019)
- Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story (2019-2020)
- Maple Story 2 (2018-2020)
- Rage of Bahamut (2012-2016)
- Sora no Kiseki: Kizuna (2018)
- Tales of Phantasia mobile (2014)
- Tales Of The Rays (2017-2018)
- Yo-kai Watch: Wibble Wobble (2016-2018)
- BEMANI net-requiring games with offline-enabling final patches:
- DanceEvolution ARCADE (2012-2016)
- MÚSECA (2015-2018 - alternatively, arcade operators had the option of receiving kits to convert the game to Bishi Bashi Channel)
- Cosmic Break (2008-2020): Relaunched as Cosmic Break: Universal at the end of 2020.
- crossbeats REV. (2015-2018 - a final update patch allows the game to be played offline with all content available without needing a user account)
- Dungeon Fighter Online (2010-2013 - Nexon-published version only; game relaunched in 2015 as Dungeon Fighter Online Global and self-published by developer company Neople)
- Dragon Quest X: Square-Enix dropped support for the original Wii version in 2017, though other versions remained active.
- Everybody Edits Flash (2010-2020): It still can be played offline in its Everybody Edits Offline version. The game's current planned successor, titled similarly as Everybody Edits!, is also in development.
- Final Fantasy XIV:
- FFXIV 1.0 (2010-2012): After 1.0 ended, the game was relaunched as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn in 2013.
- FFXIV on PlayStation 3 (2013-2017): Support dropped as of the release of the second expansion, in favor of shifting console focus to the PlayStation 4.
- Grand Chase (2003-2015): Relaunched in 2021 as Grand Chase Classic.
- Grand Theft Auto Online (2013-2021): Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions only.
- Grimms Notes (2016-2020): Relaunched as an offline app to view all the cutscenes.
- The following games in the Halo series had their original releases shut down, but their online remains active through direct ports on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC in the Compilation Rerelease The Master Chief Collection:
- Halo 2 (2004-2010)
- Halo 3 (2007-2021)
- Halo 3: ODST (2009-2021)
- Halo: Reach (2010-2021)
- Halo 4 (2012-2021)
- Phantom Dust (2005-2010): Ported to the Xbox One in 2017 as a free-to-play game, with the online functionality restored.
- RuneScape Classic (2001-2018): Its two updated versions, Old School RuneScape and RuneScape 3, are still running as of 2021.
- DarkScape (2015-2016)
- Sword Girls (2011-2017): Relaunched in 2021 as Kana Tales.
- Teen Second Life (2005-2010): Merged with main grid in January 2011.