If One Rumor is True, Apex Legends Should Be Studying Fortnite Closely

Posted by By our-little-miss-is-home December 24, 2024 5 Views 8 Min Read
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Recent rumors suggest that Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts might be considering a subscription service for their popular battle royale title Apex Legends. The rumors first appeared when multiple Apex Legends players reported that they were given a survey pop-up inside the game, asking them if they’d be interested in a paid subscription to the game. If there is any truth to this speculation, it would be wise for Apex Legends to look closely at what has made Fortnite’s subscription model, Fortnite Crew, so successful.

As one of the biggest live-service games in the world, Fortnite has consistently led innovation in monetization strategies. By analyzing everything from the price and content structure to the level of engagement and inclusivity, Apex Legends can also potentially tap into a lucrative new revenue stream while simultaneously rewarding its most dedicated fans. At the same time, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the Apex Legends fandom is not necessarily happy with a potential subscription model at this point.

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Apex Legends May Adopt Fortnite Monetization Feature

A new report indicates that Apex Legends could adopt a monetization feature currently being used by Fortnite in the near future.

The Appeal of a Subscription Service in Fortnite

Live-service games like Fortnite and Apex Legends depend heavily on continuous updates to keep players engaged, including new cosmetic items, in-game events, limited-time modes, and seasonal battle passes. One way to maintain that sustained engagement and ensure a steady flow of revenue is to offer a subscription service that players can opt into on a monthly basis. Fortnite, for instance, includes several compelling benefits for members, including but not limited to:

  1. Access to the Battle Pass
  2. A monthly allowance of V-Bucks (Fortnite’s in-game currency)
  3. Exclusive Fortnite cosmetic items that are only available to Crew members

This package provides tangible, recurring value, while also offering the intangible benefits of exclusivity and prestige. A similar structure for Apex Legends could transform casual players into core subscribers, provide reliable revenue for the developers, and potentially open up new avenues for content creation.

Apex Legends’ recent influx of multiple currencies and multiple passes has fans flooded with monetization options – meaning Respawn would have to be very careful when executing a potential subscription model to avoid alienating the game’s longtime players or overwhelming newcomers with paid offerings.

Key Lessons Apex Legends Could Take From Fortnite

Fortnite Crew is currently the flag-bearer for gaming subscription models, as it is priced at a level that feels fair for what subscribers get — most notably the premium currency (V-Bucks) and the inclusion of the seasonal Battle Pass. This immediately grants players access to a progression path that would otherwise cost them a one-off payment each season, and that’s exactly what makes the membership feel cost-effective.

A comparable subscription package for Apex Legends, therefore, might include Apex Coins, the current seasonal Battle Pass, and a similar set of exclusive cosmetics. Nailing the right price point will also be crucial as well, as the in-game items in Apex Legends are often called out for being too overpriced and most of the players either make do with no purchases or look forward to the battle pass exclusives. However, just finding the sweet spot with the price point won’t be enough, as pleasing fans would likely require Apex Legends to do the following:

1. Apex Legends‘ Subscription items should feature limited-edition Legend skins, weapon skins, banner frames, or unique finishing moves, with Respawn ensuring that these items never appear in the standard in-game store.

2. The flow of Apex Coins and benefits needs to be hassle-free each month with an optional opt-out system.

3. Fortnite Crew keeps things fresh by providing a new set of cosmetic items monthly. Apex Legends should aim to do the same, tailoring each month’s offerings to the particular season or event. At the same time, it must keep the current approach of avoiding a pay-to-win environment.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While a subscription model holds significant potential for profitability, the game faces several challenges that must be addressed prior to or alongside its introduction. These include persistent hacking issues in Apex Legends, network glitches, a lackluster current season, and an overwhelming array of monetization options that could deter players. Moreover, with many gamers already subscribing to multiple platforms and services, it’s unlikely that a majority of the player base is exclusively invested in Apex Legends. To thrive, the game must distinguish itself with a carefully crafted subscription offering that provides compelling, exclusive value to justify an additional monthly expense.

Strategic approaches, such as bundling the subscription with other EA services or introducing enticing in-game cross-promotions, could help make the proposition more appealing and allow the service to overcome any hurdles. Respawn would be wise to study Fortnite’s subscription model in depth and still need to improvise and make things work for Apex Legends to position it correctly, while carefully navigating pitfalls and risky waters.

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