Competition in the gaming industry is a double-edged sword. While consumers benefit from diverse options, developers face intense pressure to maintain player engagement. Apex Legends, once a dominant force, is currently experiencing a challenging period marked by a decline in player numbers, as evidenced by a prolonged negative trend in peak online player counts, mirroring levels only seen at its initial launch. (See image below.)
Image: steamdb.info
Several factors contribute to Apex Legends' struggles. The game is grappling with issues reminiscent of Overwatch's stagnation phase: Limited Time Events offering minimal novelty beyond cosmetic changes; persistent cheating problems; suboptimal matchmaking; and a lack of significant gameplay variety are pushing players towards competing titles. The recent release of Marvel Heroes, along with Fortnite's continued success and diverse content offerings, exacerbates the situation. Players are yearning for decisive action and innovative content from Respawn Entertainment; until such changes arrive, the exodus of players is likely to continue, presenting a significant challenge for the developers.
