Apex Legends Battle Pass U-Turn: Respawn Reverses Controversial Changes
Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its unpopular Apex Legends battle pass update following a significant player backlash. The proposed changes, which sparked widespread outrage, will not be implemented. Read on for details on the revised battle pass system and the community's reaction.
Respawn Reinstates 950 Apex Coin Premium Pass
In a Twitter (X) announcement, Respawn announced the retraction of its two-part battle pass plan for Season 22, slated for August 6th. This plan involved two $9.99 purchases per season and eliminated the option to buy the premium pass using Apex Coins. The developer admitted communication failures and promised improved transparency going forward. They reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns such as cheating, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Patch notes detailing stability fixes are expected on August 5th.
The Revised Battle Pass Structure
The revised Season 22 battle pass simplifies to:
- Free Pass
- Premium Pass (950 Apex Coins)
- Ultimate Edition ($9.99)
- Ultimate+ Edition ($19.99)
Payment is now required once per season for all tiers. This represents a significant shift from the initially proposed, and heavily criticized, system.
The Source of the Controversy
The original July 8th announcement introduced a two-part battle pass requiring separate $9.99 payments, one at the season's start and another mid-season. This doubled the cost of the premium pass, previously available for 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99 coin bundle. The addition of a more expensive premium+ option further fueled player frustration.
Player Backlash and Respawn's Response
The negative reaction was immediate and intense. Players flooded Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit with criticism, vowing to boycott future battle passes. The Steam page saw a surge of negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of this writing.
While the reversal is welcomed, many feel the initial proposal was a serious misstep. The strong response underscores the importance of player feedback in game development. Respawn's acknowledgement of their mistake and pledge for improved communication are crucial steps in regaining player trust. The community awaits the August 5th patch notes with anticipation.
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