October 31 is Going to Be a Sad Day for Simpsons Fans

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October 31 is Going to Be a Sad Day for Simpsons Fans

Key Takeaways

  • The Simpsons: Tapped Out will be delisted from app stores on October 31, 2024.
  • The game will shut down completely on January 24, 2025, frustrating fans.
  • The loss of popular mobile games highlights preservation challenges faced in the industry.

As a devoted fan of The Simpsons and their mobile game Tapped Out for over a decade now, it feels like a heartbreaking blow to learn that the game will be delisted from app stores on October 31, 2024, and shut down completely on January 24, 2025. I’ve spent countless hours building my own version of Springfield, laughing at the hilarious in-jokes, and enjoying the faithfulness to the TV series that the game offers.

On October 31st, it’s announced that “The Simpsons: Tapped Out” will no longer be available for download on mobile app stores. Originally released in 2012 for iOS devices, the game was later introduced to Android users in 2013. Unlike other games based on “The Simpsons”, which are typically beat ’em ups or platformers, this one is a city-building game.

In “The Simpsons: Tapped Out”, players can construct their personalized version of Springfield town. Initially available on mobile devices, this free-to-play game has faced criticism for its microtransactions but also received accolades for staying true to the original TV show. Over a decade since its launch, many mobile gamers who are ardent fans of “The Simpsons: Tapped Out” continue to enjoy it. Unfortunately, this may soon come to an end as new players will no longer be able to download the game.

Electronic Arts (EA) maintains a list of its games and services about to be discontinued, and they have recently added “The Simpsons: Tapped Out” to this list. As of October 31, 2021, “The Simpsons: Tapped Out” will no longer be available for download from app stores. On January 24, 2025, the game will officially shut down, and those who haven’t already downloaded it before October 31 will miss their chance to play it.

The Simpsons: Tapped Out Shut Down Dates

  • Delisting: October 31, 2024
  • Shut Down: January 24, 2025

From a game preservation standpoint, it’s always frustrating whenever a game is shut down and no longer accessible to the public. Mobile games are especially at risk of being lost to the void as no physical versions exist. The Simpsons: Tapped Out may be one of the latest popular mobile games to be delisted, but it certainly won’t be the last.

Over time, numerous well-liked mobile games have ceased operations, and one particularly notable instance took place in April of 2024 with the closure of Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. While some might scoff at such a game, there were just as many enthusiasts who played it and spent money on its additional features. Mobile games often create an illusion that players have invested in them personally, so when these games are shut down entirely, it’s a genuinely heartbreaking experience for dedicated fans.

It’s disappointing that The Simpsons: Tapped Out and overall Simpsons video games haven’t progressed much, as many beloved classic Simpsons games remain stuck on older gaming systems. Fans have been asking for updated versions of games like The Simpsons: Hit & Run to be released on current platforms, but it seems licensing complications are preventing this from happening.

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2024-10-01 23:06