The closure of online game servers is a growing trend, with over twenty games having shut down their servers in 2026 alone. This phenomenon, driven by the cost of running and maintaining servers for increasingly popular online-only live service games, often results in players experiencing a sense of loss and mourning.
Players have been observed gathering online to commemorate games before their servers are turned off. For instance, on 13 January 2022, Halo 3 players, including Nevan Hagarty, stayed online until the early hours, sharing stories and experiences before the impending server shutdown. Similarly, Jimi, a 30-year-old fan, logged on to Halo 3 on its shutdown day to experience the original servers one last time, observing players engaging in a spontaneous, silent farewell.
The emotional connection players form with online spaces is significant. UX and games researcher Evan Conaway notes that the creation of online communities is remarkable, and the desire to hold on to these connections is human. His research highlights how players commemorate online spaces, including the long-running massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft (WoW).
In 2023, Chinese World of Warcraft players faced server shutdowns due to a dispute between Blizzard Entertainment and its Chinese partner NetEase. Millions lost access to the game, with no set date for its return. Players prepared for days, logging in to say farewell to their avatars on 24 January 2023. The servers for Chinese players reopened in August 2024, but the experience left an underlying unease about future closures.