After more than a decade of entertaining fans with its unique blend of city-building and iconic humor, Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the impending closure of The Simpsons: Tapped Out. The Simpsons: Tapped Out will be removed from app stores on October 31, 2024, and while it’ll continue to be playable for the rest of the year, servers will be shut down on January 24, 2025. In-app purchases have already been disabled.
The Rise and Fall of Springfield’s Digital Domain
A Brief History of The Simpsons: Tapped Out
The Simpsons: Tapped Out was released in February 2012, capitalizing on the immense popularity of The Simpsons franchise and the burgeoning mobile gaming market. Developed by EA Mobile and published by Electronic Arts, the game allowed players to rebuild Springfield after Homer accidentally caused a nuclear meltdown that wiped out the town.
Over its 12-year run, the game saw numerous updates, special events, and the introduction of countless characters from the show’s extensive roster. Its success was evident in its longevity and the dedicated community it fostered.
The Decision to Sunset
EA’s decision to sunset The Simpsons: Tapped Out comes as part of the company’s ongoing evaluation of its game portfolio. While specific reasons for the closure haven’t been disclosed, industry experts speculate that declining player numbers and the increasing cost of maintaining live-service games may have contributed to this decision.