Respawn Entertainment Backtracks on Controversial Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes
Following a significant player backlash, Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its proposed changes to the Apex Legends battle pass system. The planned two-part, $9.99 battle pass per season, eliminating the option to purchase the premium pass with in-game Apex Coins, has been scrapped.
Return to the Standard Battle Pass
In a Twitter (X) announcement, Respawn confirmed the reversal, stating that the Season 22 update (August 6th) will revert to the familiar 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass. The developer acknowledged poor communication surrounding the proposed changes and pledged improved transparency moving forward. They reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns, including combating cheaters, enhancing game stability, and implementing quality-of-life improvements. Patch notes detailing stability fixes are expected on August 5th.
The Original, Contentious Plan
The original plan, unveiled July 8th, involved a two-part battle pass requiring separate $9.99 purchases per season. The previous system, offering a 950 Apex Coin or $9.99 (for a 1000 coin bundle) premium pass for the entire season, was replaced. A premium+ option at $19.99 per half-season further fueled player discontent.
Community Response and the Reversal
The negative response was immediate and widespread, flooding Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit with criticism. The Steam page saw a surge in negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of writing. This significant backlash forced Respawn's hand, leading to the reversal.
While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the importance of developer-community communication and the potential impact of player feedback on game development. Respawn's commitment to improved communication and game enhancements is a crucial step in regaining player trust. The upcoming patch notes will be closely scrutinized as players await the promised improvements. The simplified Season 22 battle pass structure now includes:
- Free Battle Pass
- Premium Battle Pass (950 Apex Coins)
- Ultimate Edition ($9.99)
- Ultimate+ Edition ($19.99)
With a single payment required per season for all tiers.
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