Does Tetris Friends Still Exist?
Direct Answer: Unfortunately, Tetris Friends is no longer available. The service was permanently shut down by Tetris Online, Inc. on May 31, 2019. The reason behind this decision was due to the expiration of the exclusive licensing agreement between Tetris Online, Inc. and EA (Electronic Arts). EA no longer wanted to renew the agreement, which led to the discontinuation of Tetris Friends.
Background and History of Tetris Friends
Tetris Friends was an online multiplayer Tetris game that allowed players to compete against each other in real-time. The game was launched in 2007 and was a popular online destination for fans of the classic puzzle game. Players could compete in various modes, including Marathons, Speed Rises, and Multiplayer Battles. The game was available on Facebook and could be played by users worldwide.
What Happened to Tetris Friends?
On May 31, 2019, Tetris Online, Inc. announced that it would be discontinuing Tetris Friends. The company cited the expiration of the exclusive licensing agreement with EA as the reason for the shutdown. EA had acquired the rights to the Tetris franchise in 2000, but the agreement was set to expire in 2019. Instead of renewing the agreement, EA decided to focus on other projects, which led to the closure of Tetris Friends.
Why Was Tetris Friends Discontinued?
There are a few reasons why Tetris Friends was discontinued. Firstly, the exclusive licensing agreement between Tetris Online, Inc. and EA expired, and EA decided not to renew it. This meant that the company could no longer maintain the game. Secondly, the game was no longer generating sufficient revenue to justify its continued operation. Tetris Friends was a popular game, but it was also a free-to-play game, which made it challenging to generate significant revenue.
Alternatives to Tetris Friends
If you’re looking for alternatives to Tetris Friends, there are a few options available. Some popular alternatives include:
- Tetris (PC, iOS, Android): The official Tetris game is still available on various platforms and offers a range of modes, including multiplayer.
- Tetris Battle (PC, iOS, Android): Tetris Battle is a multiplayer-focused version of the game that allows players to compete against each other.
- Notris Foes (PC): Notris Foes is an unofficial recreation of Tetris Friends that allows players to compete against each other in a similar format.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Tetris Friends is no longer available. The game was a popular online multiplayer destination for fans of Tetris, but it was discontinued due to the expiration of the exclusive licensing agreement with EA. While there are alternatives available, fans of the game may still be disappointed by its discontinuation.