Apex Legends
News, coverage and analysis tracking Apex Legends across the outlets.
The games industry will never "get back to normal", lament Tony Hawk devs Iron Galaxy, as they make another round of layoffsIron Galaxy, the developers behind Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 and ports of various games, has announced another round of layoffs, citing permanent changes in the video game industry's market conditions. The company stated it can no longer sustain its previous team size following a previous downsizing. This news comes amidst broader industry trends of job cuts and shifts in publisher investment criteria, with generative AI and live service games being discussed as potential factors.
How AI Is Transforming Gaming Content Creation in 2026AI tools are now widely adopted by 86% of gaming content creators, primarily for behind-the-scenes tasks like editing, audio cleanup, and SEO, saving significant time. However, consumer trust in AI-generated content has plummeted, creating a tension where AI is useful for creators but potentially harmful to audience engagement if it replaces the human element. The most successful creators are leveraging AI to enhance efficiency while maintaining authenticity and their unique personality in front of the camera.
Long Before Friendslop, Portal 2 Made Co-Op CoolPortal 2's 15th anniversary is being celebrated by reminiscing about its innovative cooperative mode, which predated many modern social gaming trends. The game's dual-protagonist co-op campaign, featuring unique puzzle mechanics and charming characters, is highlighted as a precursor to current "friendslop" and co-op-focused titles. The article also notes its early cross-platform play between PC and PlayStation 3 as a remarkable feat for its time.
Apex Legends Battlepass Fixed After Respawn Rolls Back Broken PatchRespawn Entertainment has rolled back a recent patch for Apex Legends after it caused issues with battlepass progression, preventing players from leveling beyond 60 and causing daily/weekly challenges to not contribute. The studio communicated the rollback and subsequent fix, emphasizing their commitment to player trust and the importance of a functioning progression system in live service games.
Fortnite Players Launch Boycott Over Week-Long Connection IssuesFortnite players are organizing a boycott against Epic Games due to persistent connectivity issues that have lasted over a week, preventing them from playing with friends. The community feels Epic Games prioritizes new content over fixing basic functionality, leading to frustration and a desire for change. The success of the boycott hinges on sustained community pressure and whether it impacts daily active user numbers.
Video Game Industry Woes Continue With More Mass Layoffs At Iron GalaxyIron Galaxy Studios has announced a second round of layoffs, potentially affecting up to 90 employees, as it adapts to the current climate of the video game industry. The studio cited slowed growth and changing publisher criteria for contract work as reasons for restructuring. This follows a previous downsizing in 2025 and reflects a broader trend of industry-wide downsizing since the pandemic.- Apex Legends Players Trapped in Slow Motion Nightmare Since April 10Players of Apex Legends are experiencing severe "slomo servers" since April 10th, causing matches to run in slow motion. Respawn Entertainment has acknowledged the issue, stating their investigation indicates an increase in these sluggish servers starting on that date. The problem significantly impacts gameplay fluidity and player experience in the fast-paced battle royale.
Games Inbox: Are live service games becoming less popular?Readers discuss the declining popularity of live service games, with some hoping for a return to 'proper' games. The discussion touches on the financial model of free-to-play games, the impact of upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, and the potential for AI upscaling in future consoles. Other topics include the viability of dedicated handhelds, the emotional impact of certain game narratives, and the pricing of game DLC.
EA Sports NHL 26 is Now on EA PlayEA Sports NHL 26 is now available to EA Play subscribers, offering unlimited access to features like a revamped Be A Pro mode and HUT Season updates. Members can also receive monthly rewards and a Supercharge Bundle with double XP until May 16. Other EA titles like Apex Legends, F1 25, FC 26, Madden NFL 26, and Battlefield 6 also have ongoing member rewards.
Dead Space Creator Talks GTA 6's Effect On Other Games: "You Don't Wanna Be Near It"Dead Space creator Glen Schofield believes Grand Theft Auto 6's November 19 launch date will cause many other games to shift their release windows to avoid its impact. He also discussed the growing importance of AI in game development, advocating for artists to embrace it as a tool for creativity and efficiency, while acknowledging potential cost concerns.- Apex Legends Update Fixes Character Issues & Tests New Ranked SystemRespawn Entertainment has released an update for Apex Legends addressing character visual glitches and implementing changes to the matchmaking and ranked systems. The update fixes issues with skins and abilities for Legends like Catalyst, Valkyrie, Fuse, and Wattson, while also improving game stability on the Nintendo Switch 2. Additionally, the developers are testing longer queue times for higher-ranked players to improve match quality and experimenting with a 4-hour ranked map rotation in East Asia.
Sony Announces High-End Gaming Monitor for the Uber SweatsSony's INZONE gaming brand has announced new high-end products targeting the PC market, including the INZONE H6 Air open-back gaming headset and the INZONE M10S II OLED monitor. The monitor boasts a 27-inch QHD 540Hz screen with a 0.02ms response time, though its capabilities far exceed current PlayStation 5 performance.
Top 5 Gaming Trends Shaping Esports and Player Engagement in 2026The gaming industry is evolving with five key trends shaping esports and player engagement through 2026. These include the rise of mobile esports, AI-driven personalization, increased community interaction via streaming platforms, widespread cross-platform play, and the dominance of free-to-play and subscription models.
How the Rampage LMG Became a Top Weapon in Apex LegendsThis article analyzes the Rampage LMG in Apex Legends, detailing its unique 'Revved Up' mechanic which allows it to be charged with a Thermite Grenade for increased fire rate. It discusses the weapon's evolution through seasonal updates, its damage statistics, attachment compatibility, and optimal usage strategies, particularly highlighting its synergy with the character Rampart.
Every PS5 Pro Enhanced Game (So Far)Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro, launched in November 2024, offers enhanced graphics and frame rates for compatible games, identified by a 'PS5 Pro Enhanced' label. The console features an upgraded GPU and AI-driven upscaling through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to achieve higher fidelity visuals and smoother performance, often doubling the power of the base PS5.
S8UL Makes History with 13-Game EWC 2026 Lineup, Most by Indian OrgIndian esports organization S8UL has made history by announcing participation in 13 different titles at the Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh. This marks the largest lineup by an Indian organization at a global esports tournament, which boasts a $75 million prize pool. S8UL's extensive participation spans various genres including FPS, battle royale, fighting games, sports, mobile titles, and even chess, showcasing their broad competitive reach.
From Flash to Valorant: The Evolution of Free GamingThis guide explores the evolution of free gaming, from simple Flash titles to today's polished, full-scale releases across PC, mobile, and browser platforms. It highlights various access methods, including subscription services like Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and Prime Gaming, as well as browser-based games and free-to-play downloads like Valorant and Genshin Impact.
Apex Legends reaches 20-month Steam high, proving Respawn's communication is paying offApex Legends has seen a significant resurgence in player count on Steam, reaching a 20-month high. This growth is attributed to developer Respawn Entertainment's improved communication and efforts to address issues like cheating and server performance. The positive trend is occurring midway through a season, indicating strong player retention and satisfaction.- Esports Nations Cup confirms 16 titles for inaugural edition; over 100,000 qualifier participants across 100 nations and territories including India to competeThe Esports Foundation has confirmed a 16-game lineup for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over 100,000 players from 100 nations will compete in titles including Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and VALORANT. NODWIN Gaming will serve as India's National Team Partner.
- Apex Legends Players Get Free Packs After Major Server OutagesRespawn Entertainment provided Apex Legends players with an Epic Apex Pack as compensation following significant server outages that disrupted the battle royale experience. The studio detailed the technical failures, including issues with the Storm Point map and a performance monitoring system, and emphasized transparency with the community. This gesture is highlighted as a positive example of developer-player trust in the gaming industry.