After 12 years of continuous updates, expansions, and a dedicated player base, EA has officially announced the end of The Simpsons: Tapped Out, its long-running free-to-play mobile game. Released back in 2012 for iOS and Android devices, the game became a fan favorite as players were tasked with rebuilding the fictional town of Springfield following a nuclear meltdown caused by Homer Simpson’s infamous negligence at the power plant. Over the years, it grew into one of the most successful city-building games on mobile, amassing millions of downloads and over $130 million in revenue by 2014.
In a heartfelt statement posted to The Simpsons: Tapped Out‘s official Facebook page, EA described the decision to bring the game to a close as an “emotional one.” The message highlighted the game’s impressive legacy, with the publisher expressing gratitude for the community’s support. “It has been a remarkable journey,” the statement read, “and we are grateful that we’ve been able to deliver 308 updates, 831 characters, and, including today’s final farewell, 1,463 questlines. As our journey comes to a close, we offer our sincerest thanks to you, the players, who have made this all possible.”
The game’s initial success was bolstered by its connection to The Simpsons, one of the longest-running TV shows in history, and its commitment to staying current with frequent updates themed around seasons, holidays, and episodes. Fans have enjoyed a near-constant stream of new content over the years, with playable characters, quests, and events that mirrored the beloved animated series. However, with time, the gaming landscape has evolved, and EA has now decided to focus its efforts elsewhere.
As part of this winding-down process, all in-app purchases have already been disabled, and the game will be removed from app stores on October 31, 2023. While this marks the end of new players being able to download the game, existing players won’t have to say goodbye to their custom Springfields just yet. EA has announced that servers will remain active for a few more months, giving players the chance to enjoy the game until it permanently goes offline on January 24, 2024.
The decision to end The Simpsons: Tapped Out comes after 12 years of unprecedented longevity for a mobile game. The game’s blend of humor, city-building mechanics, and frequent updates made it a standout title in the crowded mobile gaming market. Yet, as EA now shifts its focus, players will have to come to terms with bidding farewell to their beloved virtual Springfields.
In an amusing twist, EA also acknowledged an issue with the game’s currency conversion related to donuts — the game’s premium currency. “We’re aware of an issue with the in-game currency to donut conversion and are investigating,” the publisher wrote in a follow-up post, adding a touch of surrealism to the game’s final moments.
Though the end is bittersweet, The Simpsons: Tapped Out will leave behind a rich legacy as one of the most successful and beloved mobile games, forever capturing the quirky essence of The Simpsons universe for players across the globe.
