Respawn Backtracks Apex Battle Pass Changes

Respawn Entertainment Walks Back Controversial Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes After Player Backlash

Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its recently announced, and highly criticized, Apex Legends battle pass changes following a significant outcry from the gaming community. The developer announced the reversal on Twitter (X), confirming that the planned alterations to the battle pass system will not be implemented in the upcoming Season 22 update (August 6th).

The original proposal involved a two-part, $9.99 battle pass per season, eliminating the option to purchase the premium pass using in-game Apex Coins. This sparked widespread anger and negative feedback across various platforms, including the Apex Legends subreddit and Steam reviews.

Respawn acknowledged the missteps in their communication and the negative reception. They've confirmed that the Season 22 update will revert to the previous system: a single 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass option. The company pledged improved transparency and more timely communication with the community in the future. They also reiterated their focus on addressing player concerns, including cheat prevention, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Detailed patch notes, including stability fixes, are slated for release on August 5th.

The revised Season 22 battle pass structure is now simplified: a free track, a premium pass (950 Apex Coins), an Ultimate Edition ($9.99), and an Ultimate+ Edition ($19.99) – all with a single payment per season. This is a stark contrast to the original, more complex and significantly more expensive, two-part system.

The initial proposal, introduced on July 8th, required players to pay $9.99 twice for the premium battle pass, once at the season's start and again midway through. This, coupled with the removal of the Apex Coin purchase option and the introduction of a more expensive premium+ tier ($19.99 per half-season), fueled the intense negative reaction. The overwhelmingly negative Steam reviews, numbering over 80,000 at the time of writing, served as a clear indicator of player dissatisfaction.

While Respawn’s reversal is welcomed by the community, the incident highlights the importance of player feedback and effective communication in game development. The company's acknowledgment of their errors and commitment to improvement are crucial steps in rebuilding trust with their player base. The community eagerly awaits the August 5th patch notes and the promised stability improvements in Season 22.