EA's Recent Earnings Call Reveals No Plans for Apex Legends 2; Focus Remains on Improving the Existing Game
EA's recent earnings call shed light on the future of Apex Legends, revealing a strategic shift towards enhancing the current game rather than developing a sequel. Despite a recent decline in player engagement and missed revenue targets, EA maintains that Apex Legends' strong market position makes a sequel unnecessary.
Apex Legends' Continued Dominance Key for EA
With Season 23 on the horizon, EA acknowledges the need for substantial improvements to revitalize player engagement. CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the importance of "meaningful systematic innovation" to change the game's core mechanics. While a decline in player numbers might suggest an "Apex Legends 2," Wilson confirmed that a sequel isn't currently in the works. He highlighted the game's strong brand recognition and top-tier position in the free-to-play live service market as reasons to focus on improving the existing title. The underperformance of Season 22's battle pass also contributed to this reevaluation.
Prioritizing Player Retention and Innovation
Wilson highlighted two key observations: the importance of brand strength and a dedicated player base in the competitive landscape and the necessity for significant, systematic change to drive growth and re-engagement. EA plans to focus on player retention and deliver consistent high-quality content. Wilson explicitly stated that creating an "Apex Legends 2" is unlikely to be as successful as continuing to build upon the original.
Season-by-Season Innovation Planned
EA's strategy centers on providing continuous support and innovative content on a season-by-season basis, ensuring players' progress and investment are protected. Future updates will focus on enhancing the core gameplay experience without forcing players to abandon their existing progress. EA aims to introduce innovative gameplay changes within each season, building upon the existing foundation.
EA is already implementing these changes, focusing on diversifying gameplay beyond the current core mechanics. The goal is to achieve both player retention and significant innovation simultaneously, without requiring a complete game overhaul.
