Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes Were a Big Whoopsie So Respawn Reverses Course

Apex Legends Battle Pass U-Turn: Respawn Reverses Controversial Changes

Following intense player backlash, Respawn Entertainment has performed a 180-degree turn on its proposed Apex Legends battle pass overhaul. The developer announced on X (formerly Twitter) the cancellation of the controversial two-part, $9.99 battle pass system for Season 22, scheduled for August 6th.

The original plan eliminated the option to purchase the premium battle pass using Apex Coins, the game's in-game currency, prompting widespread outrage.

Respawn's Response and Season 22 Update

Respawn admitted to poor communication regarding the changes and pledged improved transparency moving forward. They confirmed the return of the 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass for Season 22 and emphasized their commitment to addressing player concerns like cheating, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Patch notes detailing these improvements and bug fixes are expected on August 5th.

The Revised Battle Pass System

The revised Season 22 battle pass system is significantly simpler:

• Free Battle Pass
• Premium Battle Pass (950 Apex Coins)
• Ultimate Edition ($9.99)
• Ultimate+ Edition ($19.99)

Payment is required once per season for all tiers.

The Backlash and Community Reaction

The initial battle pass proposal, unveiled July 8th, was met with fierce criticism. The requirement to pay twice for a single season's premium content, coupled with the removal of the Apex Coin purchase option, sparked widespread negative reactions across social media and the Apex Legends subreddit. The Steam page for the game saw a surge in negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of writing.

While the reversal is welcomed, many players feel the initial proposal was a serious misstep. The incident underscores the power of player feedback and its crucial role in game development decisions. Respawn's acknowledgment of its error and commitment to better communication are positive steps towards regaining player trust. The community eagerly awaits the August 5th patch notes and the promised improvements in Season 22.