Another thing we have to consider:
Timing.
The new consoles are around the corner. The best thing to do would be updating BfN again. if EA committed to it and marketed it heavily, it could have success. There aren't many next gen games at launch. A boat load of indie devs had their games become successes when the switch launched, because there were so few competing games. Making a sequel would take a long time, so updating BfN would make more sense, especially considering they have content for months sleeping in the files.
They should:
- make a next gen patch that makes loading some maps faster and has a 4k or 120 fps option
- make it free or at least make a deal to have it on ps plus at launch
- release gnome tag and the remaining customizations at launch
- update it to have cross-play
- At launch, start marketing a Christmas update with Iceburg Lettuce and at least some elements of Ops phase 3
I know this won't happen, they asked for feedback on the cancellation and apparently decided it wasn't enough. Especially the whole "no cross play" situation is bad. It appears to be a lot of work to add it. I just think BfN need to be updated for the franchise not to die. I know PopCap Seattle said they are still committed to milking it, uhh I mean releasing new PvZ experiences, but think about it: There is no PvZ game with active content support. They said they would announce something soon (probably the RPG), but no mainline PvZ is in sight. PvZ 3 is being reimagined and that will take some time, PvZ 2 is only seeing new plants added and Penny's Pursuit has many bugs. The game hasn't gotten a new world since 2016. Around that time, concept art for PvZ 3 was leaked. So what were they up to in all those years?