The Rise and Fall of Apex Legends Mobile : What Happened to Your Skins?

Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on rare skins in your favorite video game. The designs are stunning, you stand out in the crowd, and you feel it’s a fair trade for the countless hours of entertainment the game has provided. But what happens when the game shuts down? This exact scenario played out for thousands of players when Apex Legends Mobile was discontinued, leaving players with nothing to show for their investments.

The allure of exclusive Apex Legends Mobile skins

Apex Legends Mobile launched with great promise, offering players exclusive cosmetics, including rare skins and heirlooms that weren’t available in the main Apex Legends game. These items came with unique animations and customization options, making them highly desirable. EA even introduced an exclusive heirloom in its final season, which allowed players to tailor the appearance of their weapons in unique ways.

However, these features came with a hefty price tag, as many items were locked behind microtransactions or gacha mechanics. Players poured hundreds of dollars into acquiring these rare items, only to see the game shut down within less than a year of its launch.

EA’s decision to pull the plug

Despite the high player spending, EA found Apex Legends Mobile to be unprofitable. In early 2023, the company announced the game’s closure, citing financial reasons. Players who had invested money into the game received no refunds or compensation. According to EA’s terms of service, players agreed to the possibility of losing their purchases if the game ceased operations. This clause, while common in live-service games, left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans.

To make matters worse, during an earnings call following the shutdown, EA’s CEO mentioned plans to attempt another mobile version of Apex Legends in the future. For players who had just seen their purchases rendered worthless, this statement felt like adding insult to injury.

What happens to cosmetics when live-service games end?

The shutdown of Apex Legends Mobile highlights a broader issue with live-service games. Cosmetics and other virtual goods purchased in these games are essentially temporary. Once the servers go offline, players lose access to their investments. This isn’t unique to EA; other popular games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite could face similar issues if they ever shut down.

Developers argue that microtransactions are necessary to fund the ongoing development of live-service games, which require constant updates and maintenance. However, the lack of a compensation system for players when these games close creates a significant risk for those willing to invest in them.

Potential solutions for protecting player investments

Some solutions to this issue have been proposed, such as implementing regulatory controls. For instance, regulators could require companies to provide players with credits or monetary compensation for unused virtual goods when a game shuts down. Alternatively, developers could release server-hosting codes, allowing communities to keep the games alive independently.

Another approach could involve transparency in monetization, such as introducing long-term value guarantees for purchased items or linking virtual goods across multiple games within a developer’s ecosystem. For example, players who spent money on Apex Legends Mobile could receive in-game credits for the main Apex Legends game.

How can players protect themselves?

While regulatory changes might take years—or may never happen—players can take steps to protect themselves. The key is to understand that virtual goods are often temporary. Spending should be seen as supporting the developers and enhancing the gaming experience in the short term, rather than as a long-term investment.

Additionally, players should keep an eye on game performance and company announcements. If a game appears to be struggling financially, it might be wise to hold off on spending large amounts on cosmetics.

The closure of Apex Legends Mobile serves as a cautionary tale for players and developers alike. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, balancing profitability and player satisfaction will be critical for the long-term success of live-service games.

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Source : The Gaming Merchant

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