Electronic Arts Online withdraws support for 50 games, previously available for upgrade and DLC. This is in the wake of the closure of one of its hosting services.

Electronic Arts had to close servers for fifty of its roster of games, at least for the meantime. Withdrawing online support to titles is often due to poor patronage, once this peaks at one percent and below for a season. The reason for the wave of pullouts is due to the shutdown of the Game Spy hosting service, though.

Game Spy hosted Electronic Arts online support for several years, and the titles included in the cut are both trivial and noteworthy: from Sneezies and Spore Creatures (Wii, DS) to Battlefield 1942 and Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars (PC/Mac).

Titles included in the list cover for previous-generation platforms, Nintendo Wii and DS, PlayStation 2 and 3, as well as PC and Mac. EA is considering contingency plans to regain community support for the games, but everything is put on hold at the moment.

DLC and online support have become staples of games, particularly those with involved multiplayer modes. Most games offer custom options, Easter eggs, and exclusive content online. Online accessibility adds value to the title, extends its appeal and gameplay.

Some titles shut down in spite of community support. Sony recently pulled the plug on the Resistance Trilogy for the PlayStation 3; fans were asked to join one last melee with the team responsible for game development (Insomniac). Electronic Arts Online is currently stepping up online support for its upcoming PS4 titles.

Gameplay has evolved in leaps and bounds over the years, and the option of online support added a new dimension to a title's appeal. DLC boosted revenue, with season pass exclusives and expansions packs made available to subscribers.

Check out this full list of titles cut from Electronic Arts Online support.