Adobe has announced it will discontinue Adobe Animate, the software successor to the iconic Flash animation tool, provoking strong criticism from animators and developers.
Sales of new subscriptions will cease on March 1. Enterprise customers will retain access and support until March 2029, while individual license holders will only have until March 2027.
Despite the decline of Flash on the web, Animate remains in professional use for projects like 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' and games such as the upcoming 'Mewgenics' from notable Flash-era designers.
The software's distinctive vector animation style defined the look of early web games. Designer Tyler Glaiel criticized the move, stating Adobe should open-source the tool instead.
Adobe cited evolving technologies and user needs as reasons, suggesting users migrate to other Adobe apps like After Effects. The company confirmed the software will technically remain functional for those who have it, but access and support will end.