Anthem VIP Demo started in 25th of January and people were frustrated to have to wait for hours before they could access the game. This should not have been an issue because this was the Anthem VIP demo (limited access), for people that have pre-ordered the game.

Update 5: It is unlikely that the infinite loading screen issue will be resolved this weekend.

Update 4: The EA Help Twitter account has just updated that several connectivity improvements have been made for Xbox players. You might have a better experience but from what I have seen on the PC version, you might not want to get expectation too high.

We’ve made some changes that should improve Xbox connectivity for the #AnthemVIP demo. If you’re running into issues try restarting your Xbox. — EA Help (@EAHelp) January 26, 2019

Update 3: Theofficial Anthem Twitter account has updated fans regarding the known issues of the VIP demo and they are as follows:

Infinite loading screens when launching the game or entering an expedition.

Unable to get past the Anthem title screen.

Some Xbox One players are unable to access the Anthem VIP demo.

Some players are unable to access their Anthem VIP demo friends codes.

The main issue impacting the Anthem VIP demo on PC and PS4 has been resolved. Anyone who has had an issue on those platforms should restart the game and attempt to join again. Our team is still working on fixes for some of the issues we’re seeing on Xbox One. — EA Help (@EAHelp) January 26, 2019

It seems that more than 8000 people are facing these issues. I did try getting into the game myself on PC and I found that while I could get into the demo, I get kicked back out a few minutes later. The developers are working on fixing these issues and will update the fans accordingly.

Update 2: It seems that the reason why Anthem VIP demo has been acting weird and EA services have gone down is that EA has accidentally DDoS attacked itself. It is too early to confirm whether or not this is indeed true as EA and Bioware are still figuring things out but it does seem legit.

Update: 6 hours later players are still unable to get into the game and not only is the Anthem VIP demo unavailable other EA services and games are not working either.

All – servers are being impacted in all EA games. The situation is fluid and I don’t have anything more to share right now. Obviously as I hear more, I will. — Corey Andress (@EACoreySA) January 25, 2019

We're now also looking into login issues across all of our games and services, including the #AnthemGame demo. Hang tight–we're on it, and we'll share more info as we have it. — EA Help (@EAHelp) January 25, 2019

While we're working on the login issues, you may also have trouble logging in to EA Help. We're doing some work in the background and will be back online as soon as we can. — EA Help (@EAHelp) January 25, 2019

The original article concerning the Anthem VIP demo is as follows:

This means that EA knew how many people would potentially take part in the demo. I know that each player could invite 3 friends and that EA Access users also had access to the VIP demo but these are all numbers that EA is already aware of.

The official Twitter announced that more servers were going to be added soon but 2 hours past the demo time I was unable to play the game. It is also worth pointing out that for the first one and a half hours I was unable to redeem my access to the demo and I am not the only one that had this issue.

The EA site would just refresh each time I would try to sign in. Hundreds of players reported the same issue and while some were able to get into the game, they found themselves stuck a loading screen for extended periods of time.

Once I was able to gain access to the demo I launched the game and was greeted with “connecting to online services” and infinite loading. For a game that has been in development for 6 years from a company that makes millions of dollars a year, this is piss poor effort. Almost two hours into the demo launch the official twitter account updated the fans about the infinite loading issue.

We're looking into the infinite loading issue with the #AnthemGame demo. In the meantime, try relaunching the game and rejoining your mission to see if that helps you. — EA Help (@EAHelp) January 25, 2019

That’s great. I did do that and you know what happened? I was asked to play around with a few settings and select the gender of the voice that I am going to hear and after that, I was in the game. Just kidding. Infinite loading yet again. Fans had plenty to say about the Anthem VIP Demo and here are my personal favorite comments.

Shut down Star Wars Battlefront II and give us their servers if you have to. — Zackary (@ZackaryDoty) January 25, 2019

Should have prioritised those that actually pre-ordered and not just handed out thousands of codes to those that didn't. Or at least delayed the codes untill those that pre ordered got in first. Not great man — FreelancerElite (@FreelancerE1ite) January 25, 2019

How did you underestimate server capacity? — JackTheBus (@RealJackTheBus) January 25, 2019

A demo or demonstration is to show off the game. A beta is a test of the servers and mechanics. This is a demo. It should at least mostly work. — Dee No (@KnickTib) January 25, 2019

Yeah it's a demo. They shot themselves in the foot. Should have called it a beta. A demo is a portion of a fully tested game, mainly used to see if people are interested on the game. A beta has flaws and helps the devs fix problems. Learn your shit — James L (@InfiniteSith187) January 25, 2019

No queue system in 2019?!? pic.twitter.com/61Q7mDexkO — Bear Gaymer (@grizzlygaymer28) January 25, 2019

Nice status page too. pic.twitter.com/pMAvIbRfok — Bear Gaymer (@grizzlygaymer28) January 25, 2019

90 minutes in, still wondering if ANYONE actually is playing? — Matt Averch (@Averchguy) January 25, 2019

I just got a neverending loop of connecting to online services now pic.twitter.com/GqicjbEMcR — ThatLadBrad [A1] (@RedScouser2010) January 25, 2019

Um or maybe not, I think we downloaded the opening screen and loading screen, I believe the forgot to put game play in — Cory N. Maestle (@LycanHunterCNM) January 25, 2019

There was a lot of hype around the Anthem VIP Demo and it is off to a terrible start, to say the least. If you are having these issues then it is recommended that you try relaunching the game. Did you try turning it off and on again? You know the drill.

While you are waiting you might as well learn about the content roadmap and microtransactions that are part of the game.

Let us know what you think about the Anthem VIP Demo and whether or not you had a better time.