Apex Legends Isn’t Doing the Business for EA, So It’s Making Apex Legends 2.0 to Come Out After Battlefield

EA's Apex Legends: A Sixth Birthday and a 2.0 Reboot?

As Apex Legends approaches its sixth anniversary, EA acknowledges its underperformance despite a massive player base. In a recent financial call, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that while Apex Legends boasts over 200 million players, its revenue isn't meeting expectations. While the game continues to receive ongoing support, including anti-cheat measures and new content, the growth hasn't been as substantial as hoped.

To address this, EA is developing "Apex Legends 2.0," a significant update aimed at revitalizing the franchise, attracting new players, and boosting revenue. However, the launch is strategically planned for after the next Battlefield title, likely sometime in EA's 2027 fiscal year. Wilson emphasized that this isn't the end of Apex Legends, but rather a substantial evolution to ensure its long-term success, mirroring the longevity of other established EA franchises. The company plans to continue investing in the existing player base while simultaneously attracting new audiences.

This "2.0" approach echoes Activision's strategy with Call of Duty: Warzone, although the reception to Warzone 2.0 remains a point of discussion among players. While Apex Legends maintains a strong position on Steam's concurrent player count, its current trajectory shows a decline from its peak. EA will undoubtedly be studying the successes and failures of its competitors in the battle royale space as it navigates the development and release of Apex Legends 2.0.