Apex Update: Sequel Not on Horizon

EA's recent earnings call shed light on the future of Apex Legends, revealing a strategic shift focused on player retention rather than a sequel. Despite declining player engagement and missed revenue targets, EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the importance of Apex Legends' current market dominance in the hero shooter genre. Instead of developing "Apex Legends 2," EA plans to revitalize the existing game through "fundamental changes" and "meaningful systematic innovation."

The underperformance of Season 22 highlighted the need for these changes, particularly concerning battle pass monetization. Wilson stressed the value of a strong core player base and high-quality mechanics, asserting that significant, systematic changes are necessary to drive re-engagement and growth. He explicitly stated that a sequel is unlikely, citing the historical underperformance of Version 2 games compared to their predecessors.

The focus will be on delivering innovative content season by season, ensuring player progress and investment are preserved. EA aims to innovate within the core experience, expanding gameplay modalities without forcing players to abandon their existing progress. These changes will be implemented gradually, with larger, more impactful updates planned for the future.

Wilson confirmed that EA is already implementing these changes, aiming to enhance the core gameplay mechanics and introduce new play styles. The company believes it can achieve both growth and innovation simultaneously, without requiring a complete game overhaul.