Why Was Tetris Shut Down?

The Electronic Arts (EA) version of Tetris was shut down and rendered inoperative in 2020 because EA's licensing agreement for the game expired. This particular iteration was a monumental success in mobile gaming before its discontinuation.

The Expiration of an Era

The decision to shut down the Tetris game published by Electronic Arts was a direct result of the expiry of their licensing rights. After years of availability on mobile platforms, EA's agreement to publish and distribute the iconic puzzle game concluded in 2020. This meant the game, despite its popularity, could no longer be offered or supported by EA, leading to its removal from app stores and rendering it inoperable for existing users.

This discontinuation affected the specific mobile versions developed and distributed by Electronic Arts, not the Tetris franchise as a whole, which continues to exist in various forms and on other platforms under different licensing agreements.

A Legacy of Unprecedented Success

Before its shutdown, the EA version of Tetris achieved remarkable commercial success, solidifying its place in gaming history. By 2010, the game had already reached an astounding 100 million paid downloads. This incredible milestone made it the best-selling mobile game of all time at that point. Furthermore, it stood as the third best-selling game of all time across all platforms.

Its widespread appeal and accessibility contributed significantly to its monumental download figures. The game’s simple yet addictive puzzle mechanics translated perfectly to mobile devices, allowing millions to enjoy Tetris on the go.

Here's a quick look at some key milestones for this version:

This specific mobile adaptation, despite its closure, left a lasting mark on the mobile gaming landscape, demonstrating the immense potential of classic games on new platforms. For more details, you can refer to information about Tetris (Electronic Arts).