Apex Legends Sequel Remains Elusive

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

In a recent earnings call, Electronic Arts (EA) provided insights into the future of Apex Legends, addressing concerns about declining player engagement and revenue shortfalls. While the game remains a top contender in the hero shooter genre, EA acknowledged the need for significant improvements rather than a full-fledged sequel.

EA Prioritizes Player Retention Over a Sequel

Apex Legends, entering its 23rd season in November, has seen a decrease in player engagement since its 2019 launch, impacting revenue targets. CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the importance of Apex Legends' current market position and the need for "meaningful systematic innovation" to reinvigorate the game. He explicitly stated that creating an "Apex Legends 2" is not currently a priority, citing the generally unsuccessful track record of sequels in the live-service game market.

Season 22's underperformance highlighted the need for strategic adjustments, particularly concerning monetization strategies. EA recognizes the importance of a strong core player base and high-quality gameplay mechanics in the competitive landscape. Their focus will remain on player retention and delivering substantial content updates.

Incremental Improvements and Season-Based Innovation

EA's strategy involves delivering innovative content on a season-by-season basis, ensuring continued support for the existing player base. Wilson stressed the importance of preserving player progress and investments, stating that any changes will be implemented without requiring players to abandon their existing accounts or progress. Future updates will focus on enhancing core gameplay mechanics and introducing new modes of play.

The company is already working on these changes, aiming to address declining player engagement through innovative gameplay additions while maintaining the core experience. This approach suggests a commitment to evolving Apex Legends organically rather than through a complete reboot.