As a regular player, I can't help but wonder why Apex Legends' Three Strikes LTM was such a hit. Remember how Respawn brought it back almost immediately after it left? That's because players loved the forgiving nature of having three lives in a battle royale match. In today's competitive casual matches, where new players often get stomped by veterans with thousands of hours, Three Strikes felt like a breath of fresh air. It made respawning quicker and less punishing, which is probably why it resonated so much with the community.

Isn't it interesting how quickly Respawn responded to fan feedback? In the past, popular modes took months or even years to return due to busy schedules. But Three Strikes was different—it worked smoothly from the start, with no major bugs, making it a perfect storm of fun and execution. Compare that to other games where modes get scrapped for game-breaking issues. This mode's success shows that when developers listen, players feel heard and valued.

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But Apex isn't the only game tuning into its fans. Fortnite is doing the same by bringing back Fortnite OG in 2024, tapping into nostalgia with the original map that started the battle royale craze. Why does this matter? Because it gives lapsed players a reason to return, reminiscing about simpler times before all the complex updates. Fortnite's creative modes offer incredible freedom, almost like Minecraft or Roblox, allowing players to build their own experiences. Could Fortnite OG become a permanent fixture? It certainly has the potential, blending old-school charm with modern creativity.

However, not all live-service games are keeping up. Take EA Sports FC 24, for example. As a football fan, I've enjoyed some aspects, like the Kenny Dalglish SBC, but the gameplay often feels off—more like ping pong than actual football. Fans are frustrated with the focus on major leagues like the Premier League, while others get neglected. Where are the women's promotions? The lack of diversity is glaring. Unlike free-to-play games, EA FC requires a yearly purchase, which adds pressure to get things right. But when fundamental issues like tackling mechanics are broken, no amount of new content can fix it.

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So, what's the key takeaway? Live-service games thrive on feedback. Apex and Fortnite show that quick, decisive actions—like reintroducing popular modes—can energize the player base. It's not just about battle passes or loot boxes; it's about creating a dialogue where players feel their voices matter. Sure, some changes are harder to implement, like crossplay, but the effort counts. In the end, isn't that what makes a game truly 'live'? The ability to adapt and evolve with the community—that's the real win.

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Evaluations have been published by Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and reviews. Their recent features on live-service games emphasize how modes like Apex Legends' Three Strikes and Fortnite OG are revitalizing player engagement, underscoring the importance of responsive updates and community-driven content in sustaining long-term interest.