Respawn Entertainment reverses controversial Apex Legends Battle Pass changes after player backlash. The developer announced a complete U-turn on its proposed two-part, $9.99 battle pass system for Season 22, following widespread negative reaction from the gaming community.
The original plan, introduced on July 8th, would have required players to purchase the premium battle pass twice per season, effectively doubling the cost. This, coupled with the removal of the option to buy the premium pass using in-game Apex Coins, ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media and game review platforms. Steam reviews for Apex Legends plummeted, registering a significant number of negative reviews.
In response to this overwhelming negative feedback, Respawn has reinstated the original 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass option for Season 22, launching August 6th. They acknowledged communication failures and promised improved transparency going forward. The updated battle pass structure now offers a free tier, a 950 Apex Coin premium pass, and Ultimate and Ultimate+ options priced at $9.99 and $19.99 respectively, with a single payment required per season.
The company also highlighted its commitment to addressing other player concerns, including cheat prevention, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements, with details promised in the Season 22 patch notes releasing August 5th. While the reversal is welcomed by many, the incident underscores the importance of developer-community communication and the power of player feedback in shaping game development. Respawn's response demonstrates a commitment to regaining player trust ahead of the new season.
