Respawn Entertainment Backtracks on Controversial Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes
Following a significant player backlash, Respawn Entertainment has reversed its recently announced changes to the Apex Legends battle pass system. The proposed alterations, which included two $9.99 battle passes per season and the removal of the option to purchase the premium pass using in-game Apex Coins, have been met with widespread criticism.
The developer took to Twitter (now X) to announce the reversal, confirming that the original 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass will return with the launch of Season 22 on August 6th. Respawn acknowledged communication failures surrounding the initial announcement and pledged to improve transparency in future updates. They reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns, including anti-cheat measures, game stability improvements, and quality-of-life updates. Season 22 patch notes, detailing these improvements and bug fixes, are expected on August 5th.
The initial proposal, unveiled on July 8th, drastically altered the battle pass structure. It mandated two separate $9.99 purchases for the premium pass per season, one at the beginning and another midway. This replaced the previous system where players could purchase the premium pass for 950 Apex Coins or a 1000 coin bundle for $9.99. A new, more expensive "Premium+" option at $19.99 per half-season further fueled player discontent.
The community responded with overwhelming negativity across various platforms, including Twitter (X), the Apex Legends subreddit, and the game's Steam page, which saw a surge of negative reviews. This collective outcry ultimately led to Respawn's decision to revert to the previous battle pass model. The revised system will offer a free battle pass, a 950 Apex Coin premium pass, and premium tiers at $9.99 and $19.99, with a single payment required per season.
While the reversal is welcomed by the community, the incident underscores the importance of developer-player communication and the potential consequences of overlooking player feedback. Respawn's acknowledgment of their mistake and their commitment to improved communication are crucial steps in rebuilding player trust. The upcoming patch notes and Season 22 will be closely scrutinized as players await the promised improvements.
