Anthem, once a beacon of hope for live-service games, now lies dormant. Yet, whispers of its possible resurrection linger, fueled by a revelation that could reshape its legacy.
A former BioWare executive producer has shed light on a critical detail: Anthem's development included code designed to run the game locally, allowing players to host sessions without relying on central servers. This functionality was present in the game's late-stage development but was ultimately removed before launch. The existence of this code suggests that, with sufficient effort and resources, a player-driven revival might still be feasible.
This revelation is significant because it indicates that Anthem's architecture was not entirely dependent on EA's server infrastructure. If the code can be salvaged, it could serve as a foundation for independent developers or enthusiasts to build upon, potentially enabling a private server ecosystem similar to those seen in other games like Titanfall 2 and Battlefront 2.
The technical hurdles would be considerable. Unlike other titles where modders have successfully replaced official servers, Anthem's complex network design and the need for advanced traffic analysis pose challenges that are not trivial to overcome. However, the fact that the code exists at all provides a glimmer of hope for those who believe in the game's potential.
One potential path forward involves reworking Anthem into a single-player experience with AI-driven companions, as suggested by the former executive producer. This approach would require significant investment—estimated at $10 million—to modernize the game's visuals and infrastructure. While this is an ambitious vision, it underscores the possibility of Anthem evolving beyond its current state.
For now, the focus remains on the technical feasibility of reviving Anthem through private servers. The existence of local server code offers a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to explore innovative solutions, even if the likelihood of EA's involvement remains slim. Whether this leads to a full-scale revival or serves as a learning experience for future projects, it marks a pivotal moment in Anthem's story.
