Respawn Entertainment Backtracks on Controversial Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes
Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its recently announced, and heavily criticized, Apex Legends battle pass changes. Following significant player backlash, the developer announced via Twitter (X) that the proposed two-part, $9.99 battle pass system, eliminating the 950 Apex Coin purchase option, will not be implemented for Season 22, launching August 6th.
The original plan involved purchasing the premium battle pass twice per season, a move met with widespread disapproval. This, coupled with the removal of the option to buy the pass with in-game currency, angered many players. The negative reaction was substantial, manifesting as overwhelmingly negative Steam reviews (80,587 at the time of writing) and a flood of critical comments across social media platforms like Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit.
Respawn acknowledged the poor communication surrounding the changes and promised improved transparency moving forward. They reaffirmed their commitment to addressing player concerns, including combating cheaters, improving game stability, and implementing quality-of-life updates. The Season 22 patch notes, slated for release on August 5th, will detail these improvements and bug fixes.
The revised Season 22 battle pass structure is now as follows:
- Free Pass: A free tier of rewards.
- Premium Pass: Available for 950 Apex Coins.
- Ultimate Edition: A paid option at $9.99.
- Ultimate+ Edition: A more premium paid option at $19.99.
All paid tiers require a single purchase per season.
While the reversal is welcomed by the community, the incident underscores the importance of player feedback in game development. Respawn's response, while reactive, demonstrates a willingness to listen and adapt, a crucial step in rebuilding player trust. The upcoming patch notes will be closely scrutinized as players await the promised improvements and stability fixes.
