Apex Legends (game)
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Apex Legends is an online multiplayer free-to-play battle royale game. It was developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts (commonly known by EA). Since it's release on Feburary 4, 2019, Apex Legends is currently in its fourth season. [1] Despite the game's popularity among other fps (first person shooter) games, like others, this game too could be argued to have ethical issues regarding gambling, cheating and stereotyping races.
Contents
Gameplay
Apex Legends is a game where up to 20 teams of three players enter a battle-royale and face each other in order to be the last team standing. Or in other words, the champion squad. Each team is made up of a team of specific "legends" each with a special ability and purpose. The player may choose what legend to play prior to entering a game. However, the same legend cannot be chosen more than once per team. Through gun/tactical/ability fighting, teams try to knock-down and eliminate members of the opposing teams. This could mean fighting one to as many teams that may you may run into at once.
Legends [2]
Each player has the choice to choose one of the legends they would like to play for the game. Although the players have the freedom to choose, many teams try to make sure to choose legends that work well together as a team. For example, having an offensive, shield and a scout on a team would make for an overall well balanced team.
Casual vs. Ranked
The main difference between the casual and ranked game modes is the use of an rp point system. In the casual mode, the main objective is to fight other teams and win to be the last player standing. However, with the ranked games, you receive rp from eliminating or assisting in eliminating opponents as well as getting points from placing at a higher placement than other teams. The more rp you obtain, the faster and higher rank you are able to climb. The rank system is: bronze, silver, gold, platinum, diamond, masters and Apex predator. Another difference between casual and ranked games is the play style. In casuals, teams are less pressured to win as there is no penalty. As a result, teams engage more earlier on in the game and have a more aggressive play style. However, in ranked games, you will come across many "campers" (teams who hide in buildings) and a more passive play style.
Ethical Concerns
Gambling
Apex Legends has a loot box system where players are awarded certain items like legend or weapon skins, charms, special animations, statistics trackers, etc. Some of the loot boxes has the possibility of obtaining a rare item, however the chances of getting a rare item is very low. Because of the rarity and the aesthetic appeal that some o these legendary items offer, people tend to spend a lot of real life currency in order to increase their chances of opening a loot box with legendary items. As a result, people tend to "gamble" their chances and spend a lot of money in this free-to-play game.