EA has officially announced that Need for Speed: Rivals will lose its online functionality on October 7, 2025, marking the end of an era for the 12-year-old racing game. This decision affects PS4 and Xbox One players, including those on current-gen consoles through backward compatibility.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Shutdown Date | October 7, 2025 |
| Affected Platforms | PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Original Launch | November 15, 2013 |
| Game Age | Over 11 years |
| Offline Mode | Still available after shutdown |
What This Means for Players
The shutdown specifically targets online multiplayer modes, which have been central to the Need for Speed experience. Players can still enjoy single-player content and offline modes after the cutoff date, unlike other EA titles such as Anthem, which becomes completely unplayable when servers shut down.
The Bigger Picture: Game Preservation
This announcement adds fuel to the ongoing Stop Killing Games campaign, which recently surpassed 1 million signatures. The movement advocates for legislation preventing publishers from rendering purchased games unplayable.
Gaming industry giants have pushed back, claiming such proposals would make online games “prohibitively expensive” to develop. However, advocates argue that players deserve permanent access to products they’ve purchased.
Why This Matters for Racing Fans
Need for Speed: Rivals pioneered the “AllDrive” system, seamlessly blending single-player and multiplayer experiences. For many racing enthusiasts, online competition remains the primary draw of racing games, making this shutdown particularly impactful.
While the game industry continues evolving toward live-service models, situations like this highlight the importance of preserving gaming history and player rights. For more gaming news and updates, check out our latest gaming coverage.
FAQs
Can I still play Need for Speed: Rivals after October 7, 2025?
Yes, offline single-player modes will remain functional after the online shutdown.
Will this affect the PC version of Need for Speed: Rivals?
No, the shutdown only affects PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game.
