The popular battle royale game, Apex Legends, has recently faced a wave of negative user reviews on its Steam page after announcing changes to its battle pass system for Season 22. The backlash comes from players who are unhappy with the introduction of two 60-level battle passes per season, as well as a price increase to $10 USD for each pass. This change has not been well-received by the community, leading to a significant drop in the game’s overall rating on the platform.
Before the implementation of the new system, Apex Legends followed a consistent format with its battle pass. Each season featured a single 110-level battle pass that players could purchase for 950 Apex Coins (equivalent to $9.50 USD). Additionally, players had the option to spend 2,800 AC ($28 USD) to unlock the first 25 levels of the pass instantly. This system had been in place since the launch of Season 1: Wild Frontier in March 2019, and players had grown accustomed to this structure.
However, with the introduction of Season 22, Respawn decided to revamp the battle pass system by offering two separate 60-level passes per season. The first pass would be available at the start of the season, while the second pass would arrive at the season’s midpoint. Moreover, the price of each pass was increased to $10 USD, with an upgraded version costing $20 USD. This change stirred controversy among players, especially considering that battle passes could no longer be purchased with Apex Coins, eliminating the option to earn the next season’s pass for free.
The shift in the battle pass system and pricing has resulted in a flood of negative reviews on the game’s Steam page. Players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the increased cost per season, the removal of the ability to earn free passes, and the additional 10 levels of content that need to be unlocked. Many long-time players who had invested significant hours into the game felt betrayed by the changes, as they no longer felt rewarded for their loyalty and dedication to the game.
The new battle pass system not only affects players’ wallets but also their gameplay experience. With a reduced time frame to unlock all 60 levels of each pass, players are now required to grind more frequently to keep up with the content. This can lead to burnout and diminish the enjoyment of playing the game, as players feel pressured to complete the pass within a shorter time period. The changes have also raised concerns about the future direction of Apex Legends and how the game will continue to evolve in response to player feedback.
The backlash against Apex Legends’ new battle pass system highlights the importance of listening to and considering player feedback in game development. While it is natural for games to evolve over time, it is crucial for developers to communicate changes effectively and ensure that they are well-received by the community. The negative reception to Season 22’s battle pass changes serves as a reminder of the impact that decisions can have on player satisfaction and overall player retention. Moving forward, it will be essential for Respawn to address these concerns and work towards finding a balance that benefits both the players and the longevity of the game.
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