EA has made significant announcements regarding the future of Apex Legends, demonstrating both their commitment to the existing player base and their ongoing battle against cheating in the popular battle royale game.
No Plans for Apex Legends 2
EA's CEO Andrew Wilson has firmly stated that the company has no intentions of developing a sequel to Apex Legends. This decision stems from their observation that live service game sequels typically underperform compared to their predecessors. Wilson emphasized that forcing players to choose between their existing investments and future innovations is not in the community's best interest. Instead, EA will focus on enhancing the current game through seasonal updates and new content while preserving players' progress and investments.
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| EA's commitment to enhancing Apex Legends without developing a sequel is reflected in the game's high-tech environment |
The Anti-Sequel Strategy
The company's stance appears well-informed by recent industry examples. Games like Overwatch 2 and Counter-Strike 2 have faced significant criticism for failing to deliver substantial improvements over their predecessors. Overwatch 2, in particular, drew controversy for not fulfilling its promised PvE content, while Counter-Strike 2's launch was met with skepticism from professional players who questioned the necessity of the upgrade.
Linux Support Termination
In a separate but significant development, EA and Respawn Entertainment have announced the immediate termination of Linux OS support for Apex Legends, including access via Steam Deck. This decision is part of their broader strategy to combat cheating, as they've identified Linux as a significant vector for exploits and cheats. While this affects a relatively small portion of the player base, the developers believe this sacrifice is necessary to maintain competitive integrity.
Impact on Steam Deck Users
Steam Deck users aren't completely locked out of the game, but they'll need to make adjustments. While the device's default Linux-based operating system will no longer support Apex Legends, players can still access the game by installing Windows on their Steam Deck. This workaround exists because the developers currently lack a reliable method to distinguish between legitimate Steam Deck users and potential cheaters using Linux-based exploits.
Future Direction
Looking ahead, EA plans to continue innovating within the core Apex Legends experience while exploring new engagement opportunities. The company remains committed to the game's long-term success, focusing on seasonal updates and maintaining the existing ecosystem rather than pursuing a sequel that could fragment the player base.