There's bad news for fans ofThe Simpsons,but you can breathe a sigh of relief about the show. However, if you have been a devout player of the animated comedy's mobile video gameThe Simpsons: Tapped Outsince its launch in 2012, prepare to say your farewells.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the game's producer EA (Electronic Arts)announced the official endingofTapped Out. According to the company's statement, the closure of the game has already begun rolling out, with in-app purchases disabled and app store availability concluding on Oct. 31, 2024.
While current users will still be able to enjoy the game for a little longer,The Simpsons: Tapped Outwill cease total accessibility beginning onFriday, Jan. 24, 2025. An announcement was made to users on the app, and thegame's official Facebook pageshared EA's full statement.
EA referred to the decision to "sunset"The Simpsons: Tapped Outafter 12 years as "difficult" and "emotional" and thanked the partners atThe Simpsonsand Disney brands for their collaboration. But of course, the game would have been nothing without its fans: "As our journey comes to a close, we offer our sincerest thanks to you, the players, who have made this all possible."
Read the full official statement below:
The Simpsons: Tapped Outfirst launched on iOS in early 2012, later expanding to Android and Amazon Fire devices the following year. The object of the game was for players to build their own version of Springfield with characters and buildings from the series, with frequent updates that folded in new storylines featured on the show and holiday offerings.
Even thoughTapped Outhad its own in-game currency, users were also able to make purchases in the free app to enhance their gameplay, a decision that was criticized in an episode ofSouth Parkbut ultimately led to at least$130 million in revenue for EA by 2014. Clearly, for the following decade, the game remained a lucrative business until its eventual cancellation.
Some fans havelamented the discontinuation ofTapped Out,opining that it's the show's only tie-in game that's been released in years. (All devotees toRoad RageandHit & Runthroughout the 2000s can definitely agree with that take!) While others might be indifferent to seeing it go, there's a natural confusion as to why the decision has been made in the first place.
In the statement and announcement provided by EA, a direct reason forThe Simpsons: Tapped Outending its long-running reign wasn't included. Perhaps decreased downloads or a decline in revenue could be the culprit for the unexpected tap out. But fans will still get to build their city until January 2025, when we'll all have to dust off our PS2 console and fire upHit & Run.
Stay tuned for moreThe Simpsonsnews and updates from Duff and Donut!
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