The value of limited-time game modes, particularly in battle royales, can’t be understated. LTMs mix up gameplay, allowing players a temporary escape so that main game modes don’t become monotonous.Apex Legendsis no different. Respawn Entertainment has offered a variety of LTMs since the battle royale’s launch, including popular options like Gold Rush and Deja Loot, or most recently Control. It has reached a point where Respawn is confident in saying it wants more LTMs to be a part ofApex Legendsgoing forward.In an interview with The Loadout,Apex Legendsgame director Steve Ferreira spoke about future plans for the battle royale. Ferreira talked aboutApex Legends' growth on iOS and Android devices, as well as upcomingsupport for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but also took some time to talk about experimenting with gameplay. LTMs bring “variety” toApex Legendseach season, according to Ferreira. He says that the team at Respawn enjoys creating and playing the LTMs and that the team will continue to do so going forward.RELATED:Apex Legends Players Want a New Character Select ScreenLTMs aren’t just about changing things up and offering an escape from the main game mode, however. Ferreira also acknowledges that Respawn is using LTMs to try out new ideas with the express purpose of seeing how players react to them. Ferreira mentions thatEvo Shieldswere initially introduced in anApex LegendsLTM. The mechanic worked so well and players responded so positively that it was brought into the full game.
Innovation, Ferreira says, is inherent to theApex Legendsexperience and howRespawnlooks at the battle royale genre. He says that the development team will continue to push players' expectations regarding what a battle royale can be. That line isn’t specifically about LTMs, but how Respawn uses LTMs is certainly an example of the company’s philosophy regardingApex Legends.
To be clear, it doesn’t sound like Ferreira is changing any policy with regard to how Respawn producesLTMs forApex Legends. The studio has produced many LTMs forApex Legends, some great and some less so, and will continue to do so going forward. All Ferreira is doing is offering some perspective into how Respawn looks at LTMs as a whole. As one expect, Respawn thinks they’re fun, too.
Respawn’s philosophy toward LTMs isn’t strange in the live-service game space online.Fortniteis also well-known for using LTMs to experiment with gameplay in ways that often find their way into the main game mode.Call of Duty: Warzoneis perhaps an example of how players want more experimentation, but is struggling to deliver. EvenOverwatchis using experimental cardsto try new options for gameplay balance. If anything, LTMs will only become more widespread inApex Legendsand other games going forward.
Apex Legendsis available now on PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and mobile devices.
