Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes Were a Big Whoopsie So Respawn Reverses Course

Apex Legends Battle Pass U-Turn: Respawn Reverses Controversial Changes

Following a significant player backlash, Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its proposed Apex Legends battle pass changes. The developer announced the reversal on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the original 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass will return with Season 22 on August 6th.

The initial plan, announced July 8th, involved two separate $9.99 purchases per season for the premium battle pass, eliminating the option to buy it with in-game currency. This, along with a new, more expensive premium+ tier, triggered widespread outrage among the player base.

Respawn admitted to poor communication regarding the changes and pledged to improve future transparency. They emphasized their commitment to addressing player concerns, including anti-cheat measures, game stability, and quality-of-life updates. Season 22 patch notes, detailing stability improvements and bug fixes, are expected on August 5th.

The Revised Battle Pass System

The revised Season 22 battle pass system is now simplified:

• Free Pass: Available to all players.
• Premium Pass: Purchasable for 950 Apex Coins.
• Ultimate Edition: $9.99
• Ultimate+ Edition: $19.99

Payment is required only once per season, regardless of tier.

Player Reaction and the Road Ahead

The negative response to the original proposal was swift and substantial, flooding social media and review platforms with criticism. The Steam page for Apex Legends saw a surge in negative reviews.

While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the importance of player feedback in game development. Respawn's response, acknowledging their mistake and committing to better communication, is a crucial step towards regaining player trust. The community eagerly awaits the August 5th patch notes and the launch of Season 22.