EA to shut down 'The Simpsons: Tapped Out' in 2025 after 12 years of Springfield-building fun

[KeyboardKitty]

Image: Electronic Arts

 

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that its long-running mobile game, The Simpsons: Tapped Out, will officially come to an end in early 2025. After more than a decade of updates and expansion, the game’s closure marks the conclusion of a 12-year journey that has engaged millions of players worldwide.

 

 

 

Launched in 2012, The Simpsons: Tapped Out quickly became a fan-favorite for its creative use of characters and locations from the iconic TV series. Players were tasked with rebuilding Springfield after Homer Simpson accidentally triggered a nuclear meltdown. The game offered a mix of nostalgia and strategy, allowing users to recreate the town with buildings and characters from the show. To progress more quickly, players could purchase donuts—an in-game currency—used to unlock premium items and speed up tasks.

 

 

Over the years, the game saw an impressive 308 updates, introducing 831 characters and incorporating a total of 1,463 questlines. It became not just a game but a comprehensive digital version of Springfield that evolved alongside the TV show. For many, it was a beloved way to interact with The Simpsons universe.

 

EA’s decision to sunset the game was met with disappointment from fans, particularly because The Simpsons: Tapped Out is the last modern game tied to the franchise. The freemium model—allowing free play with optional in-app purchases—was a key part of its success, though it was also criticized. In a notable moment, the freemium aspect of the game was parodied in a 2014 episode of South Park titled 'Freemium Isn’t Free,' which called out the trend of offering free games with paid content.

 

As part of the game’s shutdown, EA has already disabled in-app purchases and plans to remove the game from app stores on October 31, 2024. However, players can continue enjoying the game until January 24, 2025, when the servers will be permanently shut down.

 

Image: Electronic Arts

 

This closure marks the end of an era for both mobile gaming and The Simpsons fans who have spent years building their virtual Springfields. With the game’s long history, many are now left wondering what will come next for The Simpsons in the gaming world.

Fans, how do you feel about the game’s closure? What are your favorite memories from playing The Simpsons: Tapped Out?

 

• https://kotaku.com/simpsons-tapped-out-closing-shutting-down-ea-when-faq-1851658796
• https://gamerant.com/simpsons-mobile-game-tapped-out-shutting-down-when/
• https://deadline.com/2024/09/the-simpsons-tapped-out-game-ending-2025-electronic-arts-1236100859/