In the ever-evolving landscape of live-service games, the term ‘dead game’ often circulates through forums and social media, casting shadows over titles that once thrived. However, the developers at Apex Legends, Respawn Entertainment, have managed to breathe new life into their battle royale game, achieving its highest player count in a year and a half. In a recent conversation with design director Evan Nikolich and director of player investment Chris Cleroux, the duo shared insights into the strategies that have contributed to this remarkable resurgence.
Revitalizing Engagement
Nikolich offers an intriguing perspective on the ‘dead game’ label. “If people are saying, ‘dead game’, that means our game is alive,” he asserts. “Our game is dead when no one says anything at all.” This sentiment reflects the recent upward trend in player engagement, particularly following the launch of Season 28, which saw a 50% increase in player counts on Steam, marking the highest peak since August 2024. While this data does not account for console players, the enthusiasm is palpable, and Nikolich attributes this growth to years of collaboration with the community.
“What you’re seeing is the work that started back at the end of 2024,” he explains. “We’ve started getting more responsive, moving faster, we’ve changed the way we worked internally, and I think that reflects what you’re seeing in the game. The success that we’ve been seeing this season is all these additive changes compounding over time.” This commitment to player feedback and internal evolution has become a cornerstone of Respawn’s strategy moving forward.
Looking Ahead
The anticipation surrounding Apex Legends Season 29 could not be more timely for Respawn. The introduction of Axle, the first new Legend in over a year, promises to invigorate the gameplay experience with her dynamic abilities. Nikolich emphasizes the importance of attracting new players to the game, aiming to recapture the peak player count achieved in 2023.
“The other big thing we’re looking to is, how do we make our game more approachable and have more appeal?” he notes. “We’re still in a competitive market, we’re still not where our highs were. I want to get us back to where we were. We’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us but I believe in this team and I believe in our ability to do that. The momentum is in our favour right now, we’ve just got to stay focused and keep going.”
Enhancing Player Experience
As part of their ongoing commitment to inclusivity, Chris Cleroux is spearheading significant changes to the ranked mode for solo players, set to debut later in Season 29. “There is an advantage that we see via the win rates between premade squads and solo queue players,” Cleroux explains. To address this, solo queue players will be placed into “slightly easier lobbies” based on their skill level. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between solo and group play, fostering a more balanced competitive environment.
Cleroux also hints at forthcoming “experiments” related to matchmaking in ranked play, along with “even bigger stuff that I can’t talk about yet.” While Respawn has embraced a newfound transparency, some changes remain under wraps, generating excitement for what lies ahead. “It’s going to be an exciting year,” he teases.
Apex Legends has undeniably turned a corner by prioritizing player feedback and fostering open communication. The game’s well-known “big swings” at meta changes and patches are now better received, thanks to the ongoing dialogue between developers and the community. Yet, the journey is far from complete.
To reclaim its peak player counts of over 620,000 from 2023—more than double its recent highs—Apex Legends will need to continue innovating and engaging its player base. If the recent resurgence is any indication, the fruits of Respawn’s labor may just be the beginning of a thrilling chapter for the game.
