Since its inception in 2019, Apex Legends has undergone numerous updates across twenty seasons, evolving the gameplay experience for millions of players worldwide. However, one persistent issue continues to plague the game: cheating.
(Photo : Respawn Entertainment / Screenshot taken from Steam.)
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Cheating Epidemic Reaches New Heights
The integrity of ranked matches in Apex Legends has been compromised by the emergence of what players are terming "12-man teams." These teams consist of high-ranking players who collude to gang up on lower-ranked opponents, exploiting the ranking system to maintain their positions at the top.
This surge in cheating has reached alarming levels, exacerbated by a significant incident in mid-March during the North American Finals of the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS). This incident, known as the ALGS hack, has further fueled discontent among players, highlighting a growing sense of distrust towards the game's developers, Respawn Entertainment, and its publisher, Electronic Arts (EA).
Community Outcry Spurs Concerns for Game Integrity
The Apex Legends subreddit has become a hub for frustrated players venting their grievances about the state of ranked matches. Many are calling upon Respawn Entertainment to take decisive action to address the rampant cheating, fearing that their hard-earned progress may be undermined by unscrupulous players.
A prevailing sentiment among players is the belief that Respawn and EA have been ineffective in combating cheating, leading to a culture of impunity among offenders. The recent ALGS hack has only served to reinforce this perception, with some players expressing skepticism about the developers' ability or willingness to tackle the issue effectively.
Moreover, there is growing discontent over what some players perceive as misplaced priorities on the part of Respawn and EA. Critics argue that the focus on monetization through in-game purchases, such as skins and collection events, has overshadowed efforts to address fundamental issues affecting the gameplay experience.
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