Apex Legends is Having a Rough Week

Apex Legends, the popular battle royale hero shooter, is currently facing significant challenges. The game has been under fire for several weeks due to a combination of controversial changes and administrative mishaps.

Controversial Battle Pass Changes

Earlier this week, Respawn Entertainment, the developer of Apex Legends, announced a significant overhaul of the game’s battle pass system starting from Season 22. The battle pass will now be divided into two halves, each containing 60 levels. However, the most contentious change is that players will no longer be able to purchase the battle pass using Apex Coins (AC), the game’s in-game currency. Instead, the battle pass must be bought with real money.

“The decision to move from AC to real world currency is not one that we made lightly, but it does allow us to decrease the price of Premium+ for our community,” Respawn stated in their announcement. Despite the explanation, players have responded negatively, accusing Respawn and its publisher, EA, of exploiting their customers for more profit.

Previously, dedicated players could earn enough coins by completing the battle pass to purchase the next one without spending additional money. The removal of this feature is perceived by many as a tactic to extract more money from an already dwindling player base. The backlash has been intense, leading to players review-bombing the game on Steam. This resulted in Apex Legends’ rating plummeting from “mostly positive” to “mostly negative.”

Esports Payment Mishap

Adding to the game's woes, the Apex Legends Global Series tournament encountered a significant administrative error. Several players reported receiving incorrect prize payments, with one player receiving $100,000 after only a few days of play. Other participants reported similarly erroneous payments, either too high or too low.

The tournament's organizer, ESL Faceit, acknowledged the error and took full responsibility. In a statement to Polygon, a spokesperson for the tournament said, “As the partner responsible for prize fulfillment, we’re working to quickly resolve this issue and ensure that all players receive the correct prize payouts.” This mishap has further damaged the game’s reputation within the esports community.

Community Reaction and Future Implications

The combination of these issues has left the Apex Legends community feeling frustrated and disillusioned. The changes to the battle pass are seen as a move away from player-friendly practices, while the payment errors in the esports tournament have shaken confidence in the game's management.

Respawn Entertainment and EA will need to address these concerns swiftly and transparently to regain player trust. As Apex Legends navigates these turbulent times, the response from both the developers and the community will be crucial in determining the game's future.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for more updates on Apex Legends and other gaming news.