Apex Legends 2 is Not Coming Anytime Soon

EA's recent earnings call shed light on the future of Apex Legends, revealing a focus on player retention rather than a sequel. Despite a decline in player engagement and missed revenue targets, EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the game's strong position in the hero shooter genre. He stated that creating an "Apex Legends 2" is unlikely, citing the generally unsuccessful track record of sequels in the live-service game market.

Instead of a full reboot, EA plans to implement "fundamental changes" and "meaningful systematic innovation" to revitalize Apex Legends. These changes, spurred by Season 22's underperformance, will focus on enhancing core gameplay mechanics and expanding content. The company aims to achieve significant growth and re-engagement without requiring players to abandon their existing progress.

Wilson highlighted the importance of brand strength, a loyal player base, and high-quality mechanics in the competitive free-to-play market. He confirmed a commitment to delivering innovative content on a season-by-season basis, ensuring player investment is protected. Future updates will explore "different modalities of play," expanding beyond the current core mechanics.

The strategy involves gradually introducing significant gameplay changes within each season, ensuring a continuous and engaging experience for players. EA is actively working on these improvements, aiming to simultaneously enhance the core gameplay and introduce new elements.

The company's approach prioritizes iterative improvements and maintaining player engagement within the existing framework, rather than a complete overhaul with a new game. This commitment to continuous development suggests a long-term vision for Apex Legends, focusing on building upon its existing success.