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The mobile gaming world is ever-changing, and many games that were once extremely popular eventually lose their player base over time. Some games from 2017 made huge waves back then, but in 2024, they are either completely dead or on the verge of becoming irrelevant. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular games from 2017 that are now either dead or nearly dead.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the games that couldn’t keep up with the times.
1. Rules of Survival
Rules of Survival was one of the first battle royale games on mobile. Released in 2017, it gave players a PUBG-like experience on their smartphones. With large-scale battles and exciting gameplay, it quickly gained millions of downloads.
Why it’s dying in 2024:
- Competition from bigger games: As PUBG Mobile and Fortnite gained popularity, Rules of Survival couldn’t keep up with the competition.
- Declining player base: By 2024, very few active players are left, making matchmaking extremely slow.
- Lack of updates: The developers did not provide enough regular updates to keep the game fresh, leading to a lack of interest.
If you were a fan of battle royale games, PUBG Mobile and Free Fire have completely overtaken Rules of Survival in terms of popularity.
2. Vainglory
In 2017, Vainglory was considered one of the best MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games for mobile. With its stunning graphics and complex gameplay, it attracted a large number of players who enjoyed games like League of Legends or Dota 2.
Why it’s nearly dead now:
- Shift to PC: The developers shifted their focus from mobile to PC gaming, and as a result, mobile players lost interest.
- Server issues: Players faced frequent server problems, leading to frustration and eventually abandonment of the game.
- Better alternatives: Games like Mobile Legends and Arena of Valor became more popular and captured the mobile MOBA audience.
In 2024, Vainglory has a dwindling player base and is almost non-existent in the mobile gaming scene.
3. Lineage 2: Revolution
Lineage 2: Revolution was a popular MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) when it was launched in 2017. It featured open-world gameplay, large-scale PvP battles, and beautiful graphics.
Why it’s no longer popular:
- Pay-to-win issues: One of the biggest reasons for its downfall was the heavy focus on in-game purchases, leading to a pay-to-win environment.
- Declining player interest: By 2024, players moved on to other games as Lineage 2 became repetitive and offered little innovation.
- Lack of community engagement: The developers failed to build a strong community around the game, leading to fewer players staying long-term.
While it was a hit in its early days, Lineage 2: Revolution has lost most of its players and is no longer a significant force in the gaming industry.
4. Shadowgun Legends
Shadowgun Legends was an ambitious first-person shooter with a focus on multiplayer action. The game stood out with its stunning graphics and intense gameplay, making it a top choice for shooter fans in 2017.
Why it’s fading out in 2024:
- Decline in updates: The developers failed to release frequent content updates, which led to boredom among players.
- Stronger competition: Games like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile offered similar gameplay with more polished mechanics, attracting players away from Shadowgun Legends.
- Small player base: With fewer people playing, the game’s community began to shrink rapidly.
By 2024, Shadowgun Legends is nearly forgotten, with only a few loyal fans still holding on.
5. The Walking Dead: March to War
Why it’s dead now:
- Unstable servers: Frequent server crashes and long loading times drove players away.
- Repetitive gameplay: The game didn’t offer much in terms of new content, making it feel stale after a while.
- End of support: The developers eventually stopped supporting the game, and it was officially shut down.
As of 2024, The Walking Dead: March to War is completely dead, with no active servers or players.
Why Do Games Die?
Many games, no matter how popular, face challenges that can lead to their decline or eventual shutdown. Here are a few common reasons why popular games from 2017 are now dead or nearly dead:
- Fierce competition: The mobile gaming market is incredibly competitive, with new games launching regularly. Games that don’t adapt quickly lose players.
- Lack of updates: Continuous updates and new content are crucial to keeping a game fresh. Without them, players lose interest.
- Pay-to-win systems: Games that prioritize in-game purchases over skill often see a significant player drop as gamers move to fairer alternatives.
- Technical issues: Poor server performance, bugs, and glitches can drive players away.
The gaming industry is fast-paced, and not every game can keep up with the changing trends. While some games from 2017 have managed to stay relevant, others have become dead or nearly dead. If you remember playing any of these games, you may feel a sense of nostalgia. However, the gaming world continues to evolve, and newer titles are always there to take their place.
As 2024 rolls on, these once-popular games have either faded into oblivion or are barely hanging on. What’s your favorite game from 2017 that you still play today? Let us know in the comments!
