EA's Recent Earnings Call Reveals Future Plans for Apex Legends: No Sequel in Sight, Focus on Innovation
EA's recent financial report shed light on the future direction of Apex Legends. While the game remains a popular hero shooter, declining player engagement and missed revenue targets have prompted a strategic shift. Instead of developing an "Apex Legends 2," EA intends to revitalize the existing game through substantial updates.
Maintaining Apex Legends' Top Position is Key for EA
As Apex Legends approaches its 23rd season, EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the need for "meaningful systematic innovation" to reverse the decline in player numbers. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Apex Legends' leading position in the hero shooter genre, highlighting the strength of the brand and its established player base as key assets. The underperformance of Season 22, particularly concerning battle pass monetization, underscored the need for significant change.
Focus on Player Retention and Incremental Innovation
Wilson explicitly stated that creating an Apex Legends 2 is unlikely, citing the generally lower success rate of sequels in the live-service game market. The strategy now focuses on player retention and delivering consistent, innovative content season after season. EA assures players that ongoing updates will preserve their progress and investments within the existing game ecosystem.
Season-by-Season Improvements and Gameplay Evolution
EA's commitment to continuous improvement involves expanding gameplay beyond the current core mechanics. Wilson confirmed that future seasons will be larger and incorporate significant gameplay changes. The goal is to introduce these innovations without forcing players to abandon their existing progress.
In essence, EA is doubling down on Apex Legends, prioritizing substantial in-game improvements and innovative content over a complete reboot. The company believes this approach will better serve its player base and ultimately restore the game's growth trajectory.