EA Plans Apex Legends 2.0 Release Post-Battlefield

As Respawn's battle royale game, Apex Legends, approaches its sixth anniversary, Electronic Arts (EA) has acknowledged that the game isn't meeting their financial expectations. In a recent financial call discussing third-quarter results, EA revealed that Apex Legends' net bookings (revenue) have declined year-over-year, although they align with the company's projections.

During the Q&A session with analysts, EA CEO Andrew Wilson provided insight into Apex Legends' performance. He highlighted the game's significant following, with over 200 million players, yet emphasized that its business trajectory has not been as profitable as desired. Wilson stated, "Apex is probably one of the great new launches in our industry over the last decade and has been loved by that core cohort... However, the trajectory of the business of that franchise has not been headed in the direction that we have wanted for some time."

EA is focusing on three key areas for Apex Legends: enhancing the quality of life and anti-cheat measures for the existing community, creating new content, and exploring ways to increase profitability. Despite some progress, Wilson admitted that the improvements have not met their expectations.

To address these financial challenges, EA is developing a major update dubbed Apex Legends 2.0. This update aims to revitalize the franchise, attract new players, and boost revenue. Wilson clarified that Apex Legends 2.0 will not launch alongside the next Battlefield game, expected before April 2026. Instead, it is slated for release sometime during EA's 2027 fiscal year, ending in March 2027.

Wilson expressed confidence in Apex Legends' long-term potential, drawing parallels with other successful EA franchises that have endured for decades. He emphasized the team's commitment to the game and its community, which still boasts tens of millions of players. He also hinted at an even more significant update beyond Apex Legends 2.0, suggesting the franchise has a bright future ahead.

The planned update for Apex Legends bears some resemblance to Activision's approach with Call of Duty's Warzone, which underwent a 2.0 reboot in 2022. While the success of Warzone's update remains debated among fans, EA is likely considering these market dynamics as they strategize to expand Apex Legends' player base.

Despite its financial struggles, Apex Legends continues to be a popular title on Steam, based on concurrent player counts. However, it has passed its peak on Valve's platform and is trending toward new lows, underscoring the urgency for EA to implement effective changes.