Where Did Tetris Battle Go? The Demise of a Beloved Online Game
Tetris Battle, a once-popular online multiplayer Tetris game on Facebook.com, ceased operations on May 31, 2019. This shutdown occurred because Tetris Online, Inc., the company behind the game, also ceased its operations. The game, known for its competitive one-versus-one matches and asynchronous multiplayer gameplay, was based on the earlier platform Tetris Friends, but with a greater focus on direct player competition. The loss of Tetris Battle was a blow to the online Tetris community, many of whom enjoyed its unique game modes and competitive spirit. Essentially, Tetris Battle went away because the infrastructure and company that supported it no longer exist. This wasn’t a simple case of a game being taken offline, but rather the consequence of the entire business behind it shutting down.
The Legacy of Tetris Battle
Tetris Battle distinguished itself from other Tetris games through its emphasis on multiplayer modes, featuring options like:
- Battle 2P: A classic head-to-head match between two players.
- Battle 6P: A larger scale battle royale for up to six players.
- Sprint 5P: A speed-focused mode where up to five players compete to clear 40 lines the fastest.
- Rally 8P: A unique mode with a focus on sending lines to multiple opponents, challenging players with a blend of speed and strategy.
Beyond these modes, Tetris Battle also featured Tetris Arena, a real-time Tetris experience where players could compete with up to five others. This mode often required registration and fostered a competitive environment for more dedicated players. The game’s accessible nature, being hosted on Facebook, helped it attract a vast audience and facilitated social interaction through shared leaderboards and gameplay.
The Connection to Tetris Friends
As mentioned, Tetris Battle was built upon the foundation of Tetris Friends. Tetris Friends itself provided a variety of Tetris game modes and challenges, serving as the base from which Tetris Battle was developed. The closure of Tetris Online, Inc., therefore, had a domino effect, leading to the end of both platforms. This shut down marked the end of an era for many online Tetris enthusiasts who had spent countless hours honing their skills within these communities.
The Wider Tetris Landscape
The closure of Tetris Battle and Tetris Friends is part of a broader narrative surrounding the evolution of the Tetris brand and its licensing history. While these online platforms are no more, Tetris itself remains incredibly popular, with various iterations and versions available across numerous platforms. Understanding the ownership of the brand and the broader landscape provides context to these closures.
Who Owns Tetris?
Currently, Tetris Holding, LLC owns the global rights to the Tetris brand. The Tetris Company, Inc. acts as its exclusive licensee, managing and overseeing the brand’s development. This ownership structure is the result of decades of legal battles and negotiations, with the game’s creator, Alexey Pajitnov, now directly involved in the company. The Tetris Company is particularly proactive in ensuring brand integrity, often taking action against unlicensed clones and versions of the game.
Tetris Beyond Tetris Battle
Despite the end of Tetris Battle and Tetris Friends, the Tetris brand continues to thrive. Tetris is one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, with hundreds of millions of copies sold across all platforms. While newer versions appear on consoles, mobile devices, and web browsers, the essence of the game remains the same, with the core mechanic of arranging falling blocks still captivating players of all ages.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Tetris
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Tetris Battle and the broader Tetris universe, to offer deeper insight:
1. Is Tetris Battle still playable today?
No, Tetris Battle is no longer playable. It was discontinued on May 31, 2019, when Tetris Online, Inc. ceased operations.
2. What happened to Tetris Friends?
Tetris Friends also shut down permanently on May 31, 2019, along with Tetris Online, Inc. This platform was the foundation for Tetris Battle.
3. Is there a replacement for Tetris Friends?
There is an unofficial recreation of Tetris Friends called Notris Foes, currently under development and playable.
4. Why were Tetris mobile games removed in 2020?
Mobile games from EA were discontinued in 2020 after EA’s license for Tetris expired. This wasn’t the end of Tetris on mobile, but rather the end of those specific versions.
5. What was Tetris Royale?
Tetris Royale was a Tetris battle royale mobile game that was removed from app stores, similar to the Tetris mobile games mentioned above. It’s no longer available.
6. Who created the original Tetris game?
Alexey Pajitnov, a Russian designer, created Tetris in 1985.
7. Is Tetris a Russian game?
Yes, Tetris was created in Russia, then part of the Soviet Union.
8. What is the highest score ever achieved in Tetris?
The highest achievable score in a single game of Tetris is 999,999 points. Only a handful of players have achieved this score, as confirmed by Twin Galaxies.
9. How many copies of Tetris have been sold?
The Tetris brand claims to have sold over 520 million copies of the game worldwide.
10. Who owns the Tetris rights today?
Tetris Holding, LLC, owns the rights, with The Tetris Company, Inc. being the exclusive licensee.
11. Did Alexey Pajitnov get paid for Tetris initially?
Pajitnov did not initially receive royalties for Tetris due to the Soviet system, but he did gain them after moving to the United States and co-founding The Tetris Company in 1996.
12. Why is Tetris so addictive?
Tetris is addictive because it provides the right amount of distraction and cognitive engagement, constantly requiring players to strategize and adapt without feeling overwhelmed.
13. Is Tetris good or bad for your brain?
Tetris is not bad for your brain. It can actually be beneficial, potentially improving visual-spatial skills, focus, and puzzle-solving ability.
14. What game did Tetris take inspiration from?
Pajitnov drew inspiration from a pentominoes puzzle while creating Tetris.
15. Is Minecraft the best-selling game?
While Minecraft is a top-selling game, selling over 300 million copies, Tetris’s total sales still exceed Minecraft, with over 520 million copies sold.
Conclusion
Tetris Battle may have vanished from the online gaming scene, but its memory lives on in the minds of many players who enjoyed its fast-paced and competitive gameplay. The closure serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of online gaming and the complex business behind popular titles. However, the fundamental appeal of Tetris remains, with numerous versions available for both veteran players and new generations. While Tetris Battle is gone, the legacy of Tetris endures.