The mobile game 'The Simpsons: Tapped Out' is set to be shut down, the developer Electronic Arts announced on Thursday. Launched in 2012, the game has been hugely popular among fans of the beloved animated series, and its closing has saddened many.
EA announced the game's closure via a post on the official Facebook page of 'The Simpsons: Tapped Out.' They did not provide a reason why the decision to shut down the game was taken.
"We have made the difficult decision to sunset Tapped Out," EA announced in the statement. They said that the in-app purchases in the game has already been disabled and the game will be available to the app stores till October 31, 2024.
However, the people who already have the game downloaded will be able to play it till January 24, 2025, when the servers are officially taken down.
The statement further read: "The decision to end our twelve-year journey is an emotional one. Together with our partners at The Simpsons™ and The Walt Disney company, 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.
"As our journey comes to a close, we offer our sincerest thanks to you, the players, who have made this all possible."
Players of the game were not happy with EA's decision to close it down. Here is how some of the them reacted.
It looks like Tapped Out is shutting down. All those hours spent making my town perfect. Does anyone still play it? pic.twitter.com/v2a00ydkjN
— The Simpsons (@Simpsons_tweets) September 26, 2024
I can't believe the Simpsons Tapped Out game is actually shutting down next year after a decade of playing it. My dad's gonna be devastated pic.twitter.com/UCqFvylMRP
— Connor⚡ (@flashct9902) September 26, 2024
Actually really sad about this. The Simpsons Tapped Out has been a guilty pleasure of mine for – what – over 10 years?!Slowly building my little Springfield. I had Richard Nixon wandering around in there. Abraham Lincoln, too. Plus, a semi functional EPCOT Center with monorail https://t.co/oQk2qCyNRspic.twitter.com/tYkn5LPCFj
— David Rattigan (@davidmrattigan) September 26, 2024
The Simpsons: Tapped Out first released for iOS on February 29, 2012, and later for Android on February 6, 2013. The game’s story begins with Homer Simpson causing a meltdown at the nuclear power plant, which leads to the destruction of Springfield. Players help Homer and other characters rebuild the town, completing quests and unlocking new buildings and characters along the way.