EA's Recent Earnings Call Reveals No Plans for Apex Legends 2, Focusing Instead on Revitalizing the Original
EA's recent financial report shed light on the future of their popular battle royale, Apex Legends. While the game remains a major player in the hero shooter genre, declining player engagement and missed revenue targets have prompted a strategic shift. Instead of developing a sequel (Apex Legends 2), EA is prioritizing significant improvements to the existing game.
Apex Legends' Continued Importance to EA
With Season 23 on the horizon, EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the need for "meaningful systematic innovation" to reinvigorate Apex Legends. Despite the downturn, Wilson emphasized the game's strong brand recognition, substantial player base, and leading position within the free-to-play market. He expressed confidence in the game's ability to regain growth through strategic changes. The underperformance of Season 22, particularly concerning battle pass monetization, highlighted the need for these fundamental alterations.
Why No Apex Legends 2?
Wilson indicated that creating an Apex Legends 2 is unlikely, citing the generally lower success rate of sequels compared to the original in the live-service game market. The focus remains on retaining the current player base and enhancing the core experience rather than starting anew.
Seasonal Innovations and Player Retention
EA's strategy centers on delivering consistent, innovative content through each season. Wilson assured players that their progress and investments will be protected as these changes are implemented. The goal is to introduce new gameplay modes and mechanics without requiring players to abandon their existing accounts or progress. These changes will be phased in gradually, with each season building upon the last.
EA is actively working on these improvements, aiming to enhance core gameplay mechanics and introduce new modes to attract and retain players. The company believes these changes can be implemented without forcing a complete overhaul of the game. The future of Apex Legends appears to be one of continuous evolution rather than a complete reboot.
