Community ManagerCommunity ManagerI think it's a bit disingenuous to claim legends are being added purely for new cosmetics. New skins are going to happen whether it's for this legend or an existing one, but a new legend offers (in theory) additional options to shake up the meta or for people looking for a slightly different playstyle they're not quite finding with the current set.
Let's keep in mind too, the trailer isn't necessarily indicative of Axle's actual abilities, and these initial trailers tend to nod towards their in-game capabilities rather than perfectly match the gameplay. Speed lines look cool in a trailer. That doesn't mean her abilities are just more Octane-style speed boosts.
There's definitely no denying movement powercreep is a thing, to be sure. The devs commented on that in a recent AMA actually as well! It'll be interesting to see how Axle lands once people have gotten a chance to actually look at and use her abilities and how those interact with other legends.
RSPN_Jello
We are also very aware of the movement powercreep and are always talking about how we could address it. The tricky part is movement is fun and we see that with our pick rates. When we do add movement abilities we always consider the conterplay, we try to use audio and VFX to help with tracking.We also agree, we don't want to just give every legend a movement ability just so they can keep up. It needs to make sense for the Legend. We need to find ways to make the non-movement legends feel like they can compete.
Developers are pros, not volunteers. You should be hungry for results and take full responsibility. Regarding monetization, I’d have more respect for a team that stands tall and faces it as a business rather than making half-baked excuses.
Axle’s kit is ultimately just about high-speed movement. The only real differences from Octane are whether you’re losing health to sprint or gliding without drawbacks, and whether or not you have a drone as an offensive tool.
To me, the comments in that AMA aren’t reassuring—they’re a red flag indicating a major misunderstanding.
The perception that "high pick rates for movement legends are because they’re fun" is a fatal misconception. In reality, movement legends are so overpowered that not picking them is essentially throwing the game. Players are often forced to choose them.
I agree that the appeal of Apex lies in its sense of speed and fluidity, but that is a fundamental element found in the "universal mechanics" available to every character, such as sliding.
Abilities should ideally "complement" the core game elements. The current state is like taking naturally sweet fruit (Apex) and soaking it in sugar (movement power creep). Over-seasoning eventually ruins the dish.
Designing a game to further accelerate a speed that's already there easily leads to a total collapse in balance. Unlike speed-based legends, characters meant to complement the game in other ways—like Controller legends—require an absurd amount of buffs just to stay competitive.
I don’t know who’s calling the shots, but from my perspective, it looks like you’re making your own jobs harder and burning out your staff.
As a consumer, I’m asking you: please don't ruin the "quality of the ingredients" (the game’s inherent greatness) with "excessive seasoning" (movement power creep).
I see you as true Professionals, not Amateur, and as one of the finest groups of experts in the entire industry.
Which is why it’s so disheartening to see the current situation.
Community Manager
