8 Beloved Video Games You Can No Longer Play

Many iconic video games have left a lasting impact on the gaming world, but some are no longer available to play. Whether due to licensing issues, server shutdowns, or developer closures, these titles have disappeared, leaving dedicated fans with only memories. Each game on this list was unique in its own way, but for various reasons, they are now part of gaming history rather than the present.

The Sims 2

The Sims 2 launched in 2004 and was a cultural phenomenon, allowing players to simulate life through its detailed mechanics. Despite its massive success, EA decided to remove it from digital platforms in 2014, leaving no official way to purchase the game. As EA shifted focus to The Sims 3 and The Sims 4, they discontinued support for earlier titles, causing compatibility issues with modern systems. Licensing and technical challenges further contributed to its unavailability, pushing fans to rely on physical copies or community mods to keep the game alive. The lack of an official digital release means that new players can’t easily access the full experience, including its rich expansions. Fan patches help mitigate some of the game’s technical hurdles, but The Sims 2 remains a relic of gaming history that’s largely inaccessible today.

Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone, a battle royale spin-off from the Call of Duty series, was a massive success when it launched in 2020. However, by September 2023, Activision made the decision to shut down Warzone in favor of its sequel, Warzone 2. The decision was controversial, as millions of players had invested both time and money into cosmetics and battle passes. Despite initial promises to continue supporting Warzone, Activision shifted focus entirely to the new game, leaving players without access to their old content. The shutdown represented a broader trend in the gaming industry, where live service games can be abruptly discontinued despite their popularity. While Warzone 2 continues to thrive, the original game’s closure left a bitter taste for many long-time fans.

Paragon

Paragon was an ambitious MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) developed by Epic Games, released in early access in 2016. With its third-person perspective and stunning visuals, it sought to stand out in a crowded genre dominated by titles like League of Legends and Dota 2. However, despite its initial promise, it never reached the critical mass of players needed to sustain it. In early 2018, Epic announced that it would be shutting down Paragon to focus resources on its massively successful game, Fortnite. The decision frustrated loyal players, who had seen significant potential in the game’s unique mechanics and rich character designs. Though the assets were released for free by Epic, allowing other developers to repurpose them, Paragon as a game is no longer playable.

Battleborn

Released in 2016 by Gearbox Software, Battleborn was a hero shooter that mixed MOBA elements with first-person shooter mechanics. Despite a unique art style and interesting characters, the game struggled from the outset, launching just weeks before the wildly popular Overwatch. It couldn’t compete with Blizzard’s juggernaut, and despite multiple updates and a switch to a free-to-play model, it failed to attract a sustainable player base. Gearbox eventually announced the game’s shutdown, with servers officially going offline in January 2021. Players who had spent time and money on Battleborn were left disappointed, as the game’s potential never fully materialized. 

Multiversus

Multiversus, a free-to-play crossover fighting game developed by Player First Games, gained popularity for featuring beloved characters from Warner Bros. franchises. Released in 2022, it was a refreshing addition to the fighting game genre, with characters like Batman, Bugs Bunny, and Shaggy from Scooby-Doo competing against each other. However, in April 2023, the game was taken offline for a planned overhaul. The developers announced that Multiversus would be unavailable until 2024, as they intended to work on improving the game based on player feedback. Despite its large player base, it faced issues like balance problems and limited content. The decision to take it offline left fans disappointed but hopeful for its return. Whether the improvements will be enough to regain its player base upon relaunch remains to be seen.

LawBreakers

LawBreakers, developed by Boss Key Productions, was an ambitious first-person shooter that launched in 2017. The game featured gravity-defying combat and a diverse set of characters, but it struggled to find a foothold in the highly competitive shooter market. Despite positive reviews and a dedicated core of players, it was overshadowed by more popular games like Overwatch and Fortnite. By 2018, the game’s player base had dwindled to unsustainable levels, leading to its shutdown in September of that year. Developer Cliff Bleszinski expressed disappointment over the game’s failure but acknowledged that it couldn’t compete with bigger titles. 

Telltale’s Game of Thrones

Telltale’s Game of Thrones was an episodic narrative-driven adventure game released between 2014 and 2015. Based on the popular HBO series, this game allowed players to make crucial decisions that affected the story’s outcome. Despite its compelling plot and characters, the game became unavailable following the closure of Telltale Games in 2018. The studio’s sudden shutdown led to many of its games being delisted from digital storefronts, including Game of Thrones. Fans of the franchise were left disappointed, as the game’s story remained incomplete and unresolved. While some Telltale titles have been re-released by other companies, Game of Thrones remains lost, with no clear path for its return.

Driveclub

Driveclub, a racing game developed by Evolution Studios, was released in 2014 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive. While it had a rocky launch due to server issues and missing features, it eventually grew into a well-regarded title with beautiful visuals and engaging gameplay. However, in 2019, Sony announced that they would be delisting it and shutting down its servers later that year. The decision to remove the game from sale and close its online features was part of Sony’s broader move to phase out support for older games. This was particularly frustrating for fans, as Driveclub had become a highly polished and enjoyable experience by the time of its shutdown. With no online functionality and no way to purchase the game, it has effectively disappeared, leaving fans to wonder what could have been had it received more consistent support from Sony.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

More from Rarest.org

Sometimes, video games don’t find success right away but later gather a dedicated fan base that turns them into cult classics. These are often games that offer something unique or unconventional, leading to loyal followings despite their initial struggles. Read More.

Underground music festivals offer a raw, unfiltered experience that often escapes mainstream attention but draws passionate, devoted crowds. From experimental rock to heavy metal and electronic music, these festivals celebrate niche genres and create tight-knit communities of music lovers. Read More.

Butterflies and bees are essential pollinators, and one of the best ways to attract them is by planting beautiful perennial flowers. These plants not only add color to your garden but also support local ecosystems. Read More.