Why is Tetris Shutting Down?
Tetris, the iconic puzzle game that has been a staple in the gaming world for decades, is shutting down its online services. The reason behind this decision is the expiration of the license agreement between Tetris Online, Inc. and The Tetris Company, Ltd. in 2020. EA’s license to create and distribute Tetris games has expired, and the company has chosen not to renew it.
The History of Tetris
Tetris was created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, a Soviet computer programmer. The game became an instant hit, and its popularity continued to grow throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1996, Henk Rogers, a Dutch video game designer, acquired the rights to the game and established The Tetris Company, Ltd. to manage and license the game.
The Rise of Tetris Online
In the 2000s, The Tetris Company, Ltd. launched Tetris Online, Inc. to create and distribute online versions of the game. Tetris Online, Inc. released several online versions of Tetris, including Tetris Friends, Tetris Zone, and Tetris Effect. These games allowed players to compete with each other and earn rewards.
The Shutting Down
On May 31, 2019, Tetris Online, Inc. announced that it would be shutting down its online services, including Tetris Friends and Tetris Zone. The reason for this decision was the expiration of the license agreement between Tetris Online, Inc. and The Tetris Company, Ltd.
What Happens Now?
The shutdown of Tetris Online, Inc.’s online services means that players will no longer be able to access and play the games online. All online features will be disabled, and players will no longer be able to earn rewards or compete with each other.
The Future of Tetris
The future of Tetris is uncertain. While The Tetris Company, Ltd. has not ruled out the possibility of licensing the game to other developers, it is unclear what the future holds for the game.
Conclusion
The shutdown of Tetris Online, Inc.’s online services marks the end of an era for Tetris fans. The game has been a staple in the gaming world for decades, and its shutdown is a significant loss for the gaming community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the reason for the shutdown of Tetris Online, Inc.’s online services?
- The expiration of the license agreement between Tetris Online, Inc. and The Tetris Company, Ltd.
- What will happen to my online Tetris games and rewards?
- All online features will be disabled, and players will no longer be able to earn rewards or compete with each other.
- Will the game still be available to play offline?
- Yes, players will still be able to play Tetris offline, but without online features.
Comparison of Tetris Games
| Game | Release Year | Platforms | Online Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tetris | 1984 | Various | No |
| Tetris 2 | 1989 | Various | No |
| Tetris Worlds | 2001 | Various | Yes |
| Tetris Online | 2005 | PC | Yes |
| Tetris Effect | 2017 | PS4, PC | Yes |
Note: The table above is a comparison of different Tetris games, including their release year, platforms, and online features.