This beloved ‘Simpsons’ game is shutting down after 12 years

27 September, 2024

the Simpsons

EA has confirmed it has made the “difficult decision” to shut down the long running The Simpsons game Tapped Out.

The Simpsons: Tapped Out is a free-to-play mobile game that tasks players with rebuilding Springfield after Homer Simpson accidentally causes a nuclear meltdown that destroys the city. The game originally launched in 2012 and by 2014, had reportedly generated £97million in revenue.

Tapped Out has been updated frequently, with the most recent addition coming yesterday (September 26). However the same day, EA shared a statement that confirmed they, alongside The Simpsons and The Walt Disney Company, had made the “difficult decision” to shut down the game.

“The decision to end our twelve-year journey is an emotional one. We have delighted in bringing this game to you, the fans, and seeing how you’ve each built your own beloved versions of Springfield. It has been a remarkable journey, and we are grateful that we’ve been able to deliver 308 updates, 831 characters and including today’s final farewell 1,463 questlines,” they wrote.

“As our journey comes to a close, we offer our sincerest thanks to you, the players, who have made this all possible.”

In-app purchases are no longer available, and The Simpsons: Tapped Out will be removed from app stores at the end of October. Existing users will be able to continue playing the game until January 24, 2025. After that “ servers will be turned off and The Simpsons: Tapped Out will not be accessible.”

No reason has been given for the shutdown, but Tapped Out fans have been devastated by the news.

“I’ve been playing this game since it launched! I can’t believe it’s ending,” wrote one fan on Tapped Out’s popular Reddit page. “I’ve been playing since Christmas 2012. So much time and money put into this game over the years. A disappointment to say the least,” added another.

“I played this game religiously for a decade. Half of my goddamn LIFE. This is the end of an era,” wrote another fan on X.

However, some are speculating that the sudden decision to close down Tapped Out means another studio has the license for The Simpsons, meaning a remake of The Simpsons: Hit & Run could be on the cards.

In other news, the 30th anniversary PlayStation 5 Pro collection has sold out in seconds, despite its high price point. The limited-edition consoles are now being resold for thousands.

 

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