Apex Legends' Controversial Battle Pass Changes Reversed Following Player Backlash
Respawn Entertainment has performed a complete U-turn on its recently announced battle pass changes for Apex Legends, following a significant and overwhelmingly negative response from the gaming community. The proposed changes, which were met with widespread criticism, will not be implemented in the upcoming Season 22 update (August 6th).
Restored Premium Battle Pass
Respawn announced via Twitter (X) that the original 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass will be reinstated. The developer acknowledged communication failures surrounding the proposed changes and pledged to improve transparency and responsiveness in future updates. They reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns, such as cheat prevention, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Patch notes detailing stability fixes are expected on August 5th.
The Original, Controversial Plan
The initial Season 22 battle pass scheme sparked outrage. It involved a two-part purchase for the premium pass, requiring separate payments at the beginning and midpoint of the season. This doubled the cost to $19.98, compared to the previous single 950 Apex Coin ($9.99 equivalent) purchase. Further fueling the controversy was the introduction of a premium+ option at $19.99 per half-season, replacing the previous premium bundle.
The simplified battle pass structure for Season 22 now includes:
- 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.
Community Reaction and Impact
The negative reaction was swift and intense. Social media platforms like Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit were flooded with expressions of anger and disappointment. The Steam page for Apex Legends saw a surge in negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of writing.
While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the importance of player feedback and its influence on game development decisions. Respawn's response, acknowledging their errors and promising improved communication, is a crucial step in regaining player trust. The community eagerly awaits the August 5th patch notes and the promised improvements.
