Apex Legends Reverses Controversial Battle Pass Changes After Player Backlash
Respawn Entertainment has performed a U-turn on its recently announced, unpopular Apex Legends battle pass changes. Following significant community outcry, the developer announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the revised system, slated for Season 22's August 6th launch, is scrapped.
The contentious changes involved two $9.99 battle passes per season, eliminating the option to purchase the premium pass using in-game Apex Coins. This sparked widespread negative reaction.
Respawn's Revised Approach
Respawn has confirmed the return to the previous 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass model for Season 22. The company admitted to poor communication surrounding the initial changes and pledged improved transparency moving forward. They reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns, including anti-cheat measures, game stability, and quality-of-life updates. Patch notes detailing stability improvements are expected on August 5th.
The new, simplified battle pass structure is:
- Free Pass
- Premium Pass (950 Apex Coins)
- Ultimate Edition ($9.99)
- Ultimate+ Edition ($19.99)
Payment is required once per season for all tiers.
The Source of the Controversy
The original, now-abandoned plan, introduced on July 8th, required players to pay $9.99 twice for the premium pass – once at the season's start and again mid-season. This doubled the cost compared to the previous system, which offered the premium pass for 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99, 1000 coin bundle. A new, more expensive premium+ option further fueled player frustration.
Player Reaction and Impact
The negative response was immediate and intense. Social media platforms like X and the Apex Legends subreddit were flooded with criticism. The Steam page saw a surge in negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of writing.
While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the importance of player feedback in game development. Respawn's acknowledgment of its mistake and commitment to improved communication are crucial steps in regaining player trust. The community eagerly anticipates the August 5th patch notes and the promised improvements.
