THE DIRECTORY
The servers closed. The stories didn’t.
Games with a documented original-service shutdown. Explore their independent community projects, where available.
Games in this selection
38 games in this selection
Image · Tiny SpeckIn DevelopmentGlitch
Eleven Giants
A peaceful, cooperative browser MMO set inside the minds of eleven giants. After it closed, part of its code and art was released under Creative Commons Zero, which made the Eleven Giants project possible.
Halo 2
Insignia
Bungie's shooter that defined online console multiplayer on the original Xbox. Insignia restores Xbox Live play, while Project Cartographer revives the Windows Vista version.
Screenshot · Darkflame UniversePlayableLEGO Universe
Darkflame Universe
A family MMO where players built with LEGO bricks and fought the Maelstrom. Darkflame Universe provides open-source server software; there is no official public server.
Marvel Heroes
MHServerEmu
An online action RPG with a large roster of Marvel characters. Its servers went offline in November 2017, earlier than the announced end-of-year date. MHServerEmu is an open-source emulator for running it yourself.
Screenshot · Soapbox Race WorldPlayableNeed for Speed: World
Soapbox Race World
A free-to-play online racing game set in an open world. EA closed it in 2015; Soapbox Race World provides a launcher and community servers.
Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst
Ephinea
The PC edition of Sega's online action RPG, released first in Japan. Community servers keep cooperative play available.
Screenshot · SegaUnknownPhantasy Star Universe
Clementine
Sega's follow-up to Phantasy Star Online, with a single-player story and an online mode across the Gurhal system. Clementine is a fan-made server for it.
Pirates of the Caribbean Online
The Legend of Pirates Online
Disney's pirate MMORPG with sailing, sword combat and the Black Pearl storyline. It closed on the same day as Toontown Online; The Legend of Pirates Online recreates it independently of Disney.
Screenshot · Sony Online EntertainmentPlayablePlanetSide
PSForever
A massively multiplayer first-person shooter with continent-wide battles between three empires. PlanetSide 2 is a separate game; PSForever emulates the 2003 original.