Apex Legends 2 is Not Coming Anytime Soon

EA's Recent Earnings Call Reveals No Plans for Apex Legends 2, Focusing Instead on Revitalizing the Original

EA's recent financial report sheds light on their strategy for the popular battle royale, Apex Legends. While the game remains a significant player in the hero shooter market, declining player engagement and missed revenue targets have prompted a shift in focus. Instead of developing a sequel, Apex Legends 2, EA is prioritizing significant, systemic improvements to the existing game.

Maintaining Apex Legends' Leading Position is Key for EA

Apex Legends is gearing up for its 23rd season in early November. Despite its popularity, player numbers have dipped since its 2019 launch. EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged this, emphasizing the need for "meaningful systematic innovation" to reinvigorate gameplay. While a sequel might seem logical, Wilson indicated that maintaining Apex Legends' current top-tier status is paramount. He expressed confidence in the brand's strength and the potential for future growth through strategic improvements. The underperformance of Season 22's battle pass highlighted the need for change, prompting a reevaluation of monetization strategies.

Wilson highlighted two key observations: the importance of brand recognition, a strong player base, and high-quality mechanics in the competitive market; and the necessity of substantial, systemic changes to drive growth and re-engagement. The decision against an Apex Legends 2 stems from EA's experience with live service games, where sequels often underperform their predecessors.

Season-by-Season Innovation Planned for Apex Legends

EA's strategy involves consistent updates and innovative content delivered season by season. Wilson assured players that their progress and investment in the game will be protected. Future changes will be implemented without requiring players to abandon their existing achievements. The focus will be on innovating within the core experience, expanding gameplay modalities, and building upon the existing foundation. This approach is already evident in the increasingly expansive and mechanically diverse seasons.

EA is actively working on these changes, aiming to address declining player engagement by introducing new gameplay variations while maintaining the core experience. This suggests a commitment to evolving Apex Legends organically rather than starting anew with a sequel.