Upcoming Xbox Server Shutdowns:

As we approach January 2025, gamers are bracing themselves for yet another wave of Xbox server closures that will undoubtedly disappoint many fans. In total, three notable games will lose their online functionalities, marking the end of an era for players who enjoy multiplayer experiences.

- WWE 2K23 — Shutdown Date: January 6, 2025

- WWE 2K23 (Xbox One) — Shutdown Date: January 6, 2025

- EA Sports Rory McIlroy PGA Tour — Shutdown Date: January 16, 2025

- Blue Protocol — Shutdown Date: January 18, 2025

The closure of WWE 2K23 servers is particularly significant, as the game was initially slated for a September 30, 2024 shutdown but was postponed by 2K Games. With this closure, players will lose access to 13 achievements in both the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One versions of the game, making it imperative for completionists to act fast. To add to the disappointment, WWE 2K23 has also been removed from the Xbox store, further limiting the opportunities for new players.

Moving on to another classic, the EA Sports Rory McIlroy PGA Tour will see its servers go offline on January 16, 2025. This golf simulation title features two online-only achievements titled "Playing For Fun" and "Playing For Rank," both of which will become unreachable post-closure. Gamers looking to collect these achievements should ensure they play the necessary matches before it's too late. Remarkably, this title already has two discontinued achievements, reflecting the increasing trend of games being marginalized after their release.

Finally, the closure of Blue Protocol on January 18, 2025, is noteworthy as well. This free-to-play MMORPG never fully realized its potential in the Western market, with its release even being canceled. Its servers only operated through the Japanese Xbox store, and thus, many gamers may not have engaged with the title at all. All achievements will be rendered inaccessible once the servers shut down.

As we wave goodbye to these games, it's essential for players to take advantage of the fleeting time left to earn online achievements or enjoy multiplayer modes. In case you missed it, the month of December 2024 has already seen a staggering 19 Xbox games getting delisted, so this transition into 2025 seems to be a pivotal turning point in the lifecycle of online gaming on Xbox.

Will these closures affect your gaming plans? Share your thoughts with us and get ready — the clock is ticking!