Apex Legends Plummets in Popularity

The competitive gaming landscape is a double-edged sword. While consumers benefit from the choices available, developers often face intense pressure. Apex Legends, for example, is currently experiencing a significant downturn. The game is struggling with a trifecta of problems: rampant cheating, persistent bugs, and a poorly-received new battle pass.

Examining peak player counts reveals a sustained downward trend for Apex Legends, reminiscent of its numbers only at launch.

Image: steamdb.info

What's causing this decline? The issues mirror those that plagued Overwatch during its own stagnant period. Limited Time Events offer little beyond new skins, while persistent problems with cheating, flawed matchmaking, and a lack of engaging gameplay variety are driving players to competing titles.

The recent release of Marvel Heroes appears to be siphoning players not only from Overwatch, but also from Apex Legends. Meanwhile, Fortnite continues to thrive, offering diverse gameplay options. Respawn Entertainment faces a crucial challenge: players are demanding significant changes and fresh content. Failure to deliver could result in further player attrition. The developer's response to this situation will be critical to the game's future.