Apex Legends: Long Wait for Sequel

Electronic Arts (EA) recently offered insights into the future of Apex Legends during an earnings call, addressing player engagement and revenue targets.

EA Prioritizes Apex Legends Improvement Over a Sequel

Apex Legends' Leading Position Remains Crucial for EA

Apex Legends, entering its 23rd season in early November, remains a popular title. However, player engagement has declined since its 2019 launch, impacting revenue. EA aims to counter this through "fundamental changes," as acknowledged by CEO Andrew Wilson. While declining numbers might suggest an "Apex Legends 2," Wilson indicated that a sequel isn't the current focus, prioritizing the game's strong market position.

Wilson emphasized the importance of maintaining the game's current trajectory, leveraging its brand strength and large player base to achieve future growth. He highlighted that Season 22's underperformance prompted a reevaluation of strategies, particularly regarding battle pass monetization. Wilson identified two key observations within the free-to-play FPS market: Apex Legends' compelling franchise and the need for substantial, systematic changes to drive re-engagement. The company will concentrate on player retention and content expansion while developing significant innovations.

EA's preference for iterative improvements over a complete reboot was underscored by Wilson, who noted the generally lower success rate of sequels compared to original titles in the live-service game market.

Season-by-Season Innovation Planned for Apex Legends

EA plans to consistently deliver innovative content to Apex Legends' global player base on a season-by-season basis. Wilson reassured players that their progress and investment in the game will be protected as future changes are implemented. The goal is to innovate within the core experience, avoiding a situation where players must choose between past investment and future updates. This approach is reflected in the increasing scale and gameplay modifications introduced in recent seasons.

EA is actively working on these improvements, aiming to address declining player engagement through innovative gameplay mechanics. The company believes these improvements can be integrated without requiring a complete overhaul of the game experience.