Respawn Entertainment is making a major, long-term bet on the future of the Apex Games. In a move signaling their unwavering commitment, the developer has officially opened a new studio in Wisconsin, USA, dedicated to expanding and evolving the world of Apex Legends. This isn't just a small expansion; it's a foundational investment for the next 10 to 15 years. Studio head Steven Ferreira laid it out plainly in a recent interview, stating, "We believe in Apex as a franchise that's going to be around for 10, 15 years or more and we're excited to make that happen." This new Midwest hub, led by industry veteran and former Epic Games director Ryan Burnett, is all about injecting fresh energy and capacity into the game's ever-evolving live-service ecosystem.

The Wisconsin Blueprint: Capacity Meets Creativity 🧠

So, what exactly will this new studio bring to the table? Ferreira described the live-service development of Apex Legends as a "constant cycle of trying new things and experimenting." The Wisconsin team is being built to supercharge that cycle. "That's what Wisconsin is going to give us – that capacity to do more of that, pushing into new areas like Legend classes and trying to do things we haven't done before," he explained. The strategy has two key pillars:

1. Scalable Capacity: Plain and simple, more talented developers mean the ability to tackle more ambitious projects, refine systems, and deliver content at a higher pace without sacrificing the polish Respawn is known for.

2. Fresh Perspectives: This is the real secret sauce. Respawn is actively seeking developers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. New team members in Wisconsin will bring different ideas to the brainstorming table, which is crucial for keeping a five-year-old game feeling innovative and exciting.

From Record-Breaking Launch to Mobile Sunset ☀️➡️🌙

It's been quite a journey since Apex Legends dropped as a surprise release back in 2019. The game exploded onto the scene, becoming a cultural phenomenon and setting a record as the fastest-growing live-service game by amassing over 50 million players in its first month. That's no small feat! Fast forward to 2026, and the game has weathered the typical live-service storms, including the recent sunsetting of Apex Legends Mobile in 2025. While the mobile version had a dedicated player base, Respawn made the tough call to end development because they couldn't maintain the same long-term content quality as the flagship PC and console experience. It was a classic case of "go big or go home," and they chose to double down on their core product.

The Current State: Evolving Beyond New Legends 🔄

As of the recent seasons, Respawn has shown a willingness to shake up the formula. Season 16, "Revelry," was a landmark moment as it was the first season ever to launch without a new Legend character. Instead, the team focused on deep systemic changes, most notably introducing a comprehensive Legend Class system that redefined team roles and strategies. This move demonstrated a maturation in their approach—sometimes, refining and reworking the core game is more impactful than just adding another face to the roster. The Wisconsin studio's mandate to explore "new areas like Legend classes" suggests this kind of foundational work will continue and expand.

Looking Ahead: The Next 15 Years in the Outlands 🚀

With the new Wisconsin studio now operational, the roadmap for Apex Legends looks more ambitious than ever. Players can expect:

• Bolder Experiments: More frequent and significant gameplay overhauls.

• Deeper Legend & Class Systems: Evolving the meta beyond just new abilities.

• Enhanced Content Pipelines: Hopefully leading to more consistent and varied updates across maps, modes, and events.

The message from Respawn is crystal clear: they are in this for the long haul. They're not just maintaining Apex Legends; they're strategically building the infrastructure to reinvent it for years to come. The opening of the Wisconsin studio isn't just news; it's a statement of intent. The Apex Games are here to stay, and the competition is about to level up. Buckle up, Legends—the next evolution is just beginning. 😎