The latest season of Apex Legends brought significant changes to the ranked mode’s point system, aiming to shift the competitive focus of the battle royale. However, what players received was a flawed system that has drawn widespread criticism from professional players and content creators. TSM’s ImperialHal recently shared his thoughts on the impact of the season 17 changes, highlighting how these changes have negatively affected player interest in Apex and have had direct consequences on the game’s viewership at both the competitive and casual levels.

ImperialHal expressed his confusion and disappointment with the decisions and changes made by Respawn Entertainment in season 17. He observed that the current state of the ranked mode is driving the community away from playing Apex altogether. Additionally, he raised concerns about the future viewership of professional players and competitive channels, noting the significant difference in his own channel numbers between streaming ALGS (Apex Legends Global Series) matches and regular ranked sessions.

ImperialHal and other players like XSET’s Sikezz emphasized their roles as role models within the competitive Apex community. They pointed out how their viewership numbers reflect the state of the game, whether during ALGS tournament days or regular ranked grind sessions. The declining interest of the average viewer compared to previous seasons has raised concerns about the game’s overall appeal and engagement.

The two-month gap between Split 2 of the ALGS Pro League and the LAN playoffs makes a healthy ranked system crucial to keeping players actively engaged with Apex during the off-season. Unfortunately, the negative reception to the current ranked system has resulted in a significant loss of both players and viewers who could potentially have an interest in exploring Apex on a casual or competitive level.

Data from StreamsCharts reveals a decline in Apex’s viewership on Twitch compared to the previous season’s release in February. Hours watched, average viewer count, and the number of channels streaming the game have all seen a decrease during season 17. These numbers have caught the attention of ImperialHal and other professional players, many of whom are now bored with this season’s ranked mode and have turned to streaming other games instead of Apex.

Steam Charts also indicates a drop in average and peak player numbers. Season 16’s release in February witnessed the highest peak player count in Apex Legends history, reaching 624,473 players. However, season 17’s current peak stands at 584,294 players, with average player numbers falling 30,000 short of the previous season’s average count.

The intention behind the new ranked system was to fundamentally change how players approached each match in Apex. Respawn Entertainment placed a greater emphasis on placement, rewarding teams with more points for achieving higher placements while reducing the RP (Ranked Points) earned for kills and assists. The introduction of MMR (Matchmaking Rating) and placement matches aimed to address the issue of cheaters, preventing them from exploiting lower-skill players.

However, the implementation of these changes had unintended consequences. Placement matches resulted in players of varying ranks being grouped together, regardless of their previous season’s performance. This meant that a bronze-ranked player could be matched against a team of predators, creating a significant skill gap and frustrating gameplay experience.

Another unpopular change was the introduction of a flat entry fee for ranked, with all ranks requiring 35 RP. With reduced punishment for losing and increased rewards for outlasting opponents, climbing the ranked ladder became easier than ever, even without engaging in combat. This led to an alarming issue in Apex’s ranked history, as players shifted the focus away from combat and created strategies centered around avoiding confrontation.

In response to the flaws in the ranked system, some professional players frustrated with the current state of ranked have taken it upon themselves to demonstrate how broken the changes are. They have committed to climbing through the ranks without inflicting damage to showcase the deficiencies of the system. Surprisingly, they have achieved considerable success within days of season 17’s release, further highlighting the system’s flaws.

ImperialHal concluded his remarks by expressing his concern that ranked mode feels diluted compared to previous seasons. Without acknowledgment or changes from Respawn Entertainment, the Apex community will continue to dwindle. Fans and viewers can only hope that the widespread backlash from both the casual and competitive scenes will prompt Respawn to take note and either revert the changes or completely overhaul the ranked system for the future of Apex.

FAQs:

Why did the ranked changes in Apex Legends season 17 receive criticism?

The ranked changes were seen as flawed, punishing lower-ranked players and incentivizing not actively playing the game, leading to widespread criticism from professional players and content creators.

How have the ranked changes affected player interest in Apex Legends?

The ranked changes have resulted in a decrease in player interest, as highlighted by TSM’s ImperialHal and XSET’s Sikezz, impacting both casual and competitive engagement with the game.

What impact have the ranked changes had on viewership?

Apex Legends’ viewership on platforms like Twitch has declined in terms of hours watched, average viewer count, and the number of channels streaming the game compared to the previous season.

What strategies have emerged in response to the ranked changes?

The introduction of a flat entry fee and reduced emphasis on kills and assists has led to the rise of “ratting,” a strategy focused on avoiding combat and outlasting opponents to climb the ranks.

What are the hopes for the future of Apex Legends ranked mode?

Players and viewers hope that Respawn Entertainment will take note of the widespread backlash and make necessary changes to the ranked system, ensuring a healthier and more engaging experience for the community.