Respawn Entertainment's instant and unprecedented success with Apex Legends wasn't just a surprise to players. In an update to the Apex Legends community, Respawn acknowledges that it has "hit a few bumps along the way" since the Apex Legends launch. In turn, it's recommitted itself to supporting Apex Legends going forward. That renewed focus doesn't come without a cost, however, as Respawn has also confirmed that it will be "pushing back" its plans for future Titanfall games.

Previous Respawn communication regarding the future of the franchise said that there was a Titanfall "premium game" planned for release in 2019. The studio was reportedly also working on a VR Titanfall product. And while Respawn doesn't say specifically that these are the games referred to when it says Titanfall is being de-prioritized, the implication is clear.

The reality of the situation is that, despite Apex Legends' success and the positive reactions to the studio's work on Titanfall, it's not a large team by any means. Respawn even refers to itself as a "relatively small team" when talking about making Apex Legends. Resources are finite and the Apex Legends team at Respawn is the same team working on Titanfall content.

In its post, Respawn also makes clear that it's working to minimize "crunch culture" at the studio, where developers are compelled to work excessive hours for weeks or months at a time. The idea that a relatively small team could support Apex Legends, work on Titanfall, and avoid crunch just isn't realistic. Respawn seems to be taking the option that's both best for its current community in Apex Legends and for the developers behind it.

titanfall screenshot

For the time being, Respawn's two separate development teams will continue working on Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, respectively. As the Apex Legends team grows into its seasonal structure for updates and new content, it will be better able to manage development resources and reconsider its other projects like Titanfall. If Respawn can do that and then revisit Titanfall in 2020, all while maintaining a healthy development schedule with no crunch, the extra wait doesn't seem like so much of an issue after all.

Apex Legends is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.