Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on the minds of many fans of the game: Why Apex Legends didn’t include wall running?
As someone who’s played my fair share of first-person shooter games, I know just how important wall running can be in adding a new dimension to gameplay. In this article, I’m going to explore the reasons behind Apex Legends’ decision not to include wall running, and offer my own perspective on whether or not it would be a good addition to the game. So, let’s get started!
What is Wall Running?
Wall running is a gameplay mechanic that allows players to run along walls, either horizontally or vertically. It’s a feature that’s commonly found in first-person shooter games, and it’s often used to add a new dimension to the gameplay.
In games like Titanfall and Mirror’s Edge, wall running is a central mechanic. Players can use it to move quickly around the environment, gain new vantage points, and access areas that would otherwise be out of reach. In other games, like Call of Duty and Overwatch, wall running is more of a supplementary mechanic that’s used to add some variety to the gameplay.
One of the benefits of wall running is that it allows players to move quickly while also maintaining their momentum. This can be especially useful in games where movement is a key part of the gameplay. However, wall running also has some drawbacks. For one, it can be difficult to control, especially if you’re new to the game. Additionally, it can be overpowered if not balanced properly, allowing players to move too quickly and easily around the environment.
The benefits and drawbacks of wall running
One of the benefits of wall running is that it adds an element of verticality to gameplay, allowing players to explore more of the map and approach combat situations from different angles. It also adds an element of speed and fluidity to gameplay, which can make the game feel more exciting and dynamic.
On the other hand, wall running can also make the game more complex and difficult to master, as players need to be able to navigate the environment effectively to take advantage of the feature. It can also be frustrating for players who struggle with the feature, as they may feel at a disadvantage against more skilled players.
While wall running has its benefits, it is not without its drawbacks. The decision to include it in a game ultimately comes down to the developers’ goals for the game and whether they believe the feature will enhance or detract from the overall experience.
Apex Legends and Wall Running
Now that we have a better understanding of what wall running is and how it has been implemented in other games, let’s discuss why Apex Legends did not include this feature in its gameplay.
Why Apex Legends didn’t include wall running
When Apex Legends was released in 2019, many gamers were surprised to find that the game did not include wall running, a popular feature in other first-person shooters such as Titanfall, which was also developed by Respawn Entertainment. So why did Respawn decide not to include wall running in Apex Legends?
According to Respawn Entertainment developers, the decision to exclude wall running from Apex Legends was based on the desire to create a more grounded, tactical gameplay experience. Wall running, while fun and exhilarating, can also make the gameplay feel chaotic and unpredictable. By removing wall running, the developers hoped to create a more deliberate and strategic experience that emphasizes gunplay and teamwork.
In an interview with Game Informer, Apex Legends game director Chad Grenier explained that “We didn’t want players to have too much traversal, too much escapeability, too much unpredictability. It’s really about giving players just enough so that they can make interesting choices, but not so much that they feel overwhelmed or can’t control the battlefield.”
While some gamers may miss the fast-paced excitement of wall running, the decision to exclude it has allowed Apex Legends to carve out its own unique gameplay style that emphasizes strategy, positioning, and teamwork.
The development team’s decision-making process
When developing Apex Legends, the team at Respawn Entertainment had to make many difficult decisions regarding gameplay mechanics, one of which was whether to include wall running. The decision-making process was likely based on several factors, including the goals of the game, player feedback, and technical limitations.
One of the main reasons why wall running was not included in Apex Legends is because it would have drastically changed the pace and flow of the game. In an interview with Game Informer, Respawn’s lead producer Drew McCoy explained that wall running was not included because it made the game too “chaotic” and difficult to read for players. He also mentioned that the decision was made based on the fact that Apex Legends was designed as a team-based battle royale game with a focus on strategic gameplay, rather than the high-speed parkour action of games like Titanfall.
Another important factor that likely influenced the decision not to include wall running was player feedback. During the development of Apex Legends, Respawn conducted extensive playtesting and received feedback from a large number of players. Based on this feedback, it became clear that many players preferred a more grounded, strategic approach to gameplay, rather than the fast-paced, parkour-style action of Titanfall.
Technical limitations may have also played a role in the decision not to include wall running. Developing a game with wall running mechanics requires a lot of resources, including specialized animation and level design. It’s possible that Respawn decided to focus their resources on other aspects of the game that would have a bigger impact on gameplay, such as the unique Legends and their abilities.
The decision not to include wall running in Apex Legends was likely based on a combination of factors, including gameplay goals, player feedback, and technical limitations. While some players may miss the fast-paced action of wall running, it’s clear that Respawn made the decision that was best for the game as a whole.
A few quotes from Respawn Entertainment developers
Respawn Entertainment has been quite vocal about their decision to not include wall running in Apex Legends. In an interview with Polygon, Drew McCoy, the lead producer of the game, explained the reasoning behind this decision:
“Wall running was one of the core mechanics in Titanfall games, but it was also one of the more divisive mechanics. It was very difficult to balance. It created a lot of chaos in Titanfall games, and with Apex Legends, we wanted to create a more focused, tactical experience.”
McCoy also mentioned that the development team wanted to prioritize the ability to traverse the map without the need for wall running:
“We wanted to create a game where players could move around the map in a way that was intuitive and didn’t require a steep learning curve. We wanted players to feel like they were in control of their movement, rather than at the mercy of a complex mechanic.”
Chad Grenier, the game director of Apex Legends, also spoke about the decision to not include wall running in an interview with Game Informer:
“We experimented with wall running early on in development, but we found that it created a lot of balancing issues. It’s a mechanic that can be difficult to master, and it also limits map design. Without wall running, we were able to create a more dynamic map with a lot of verticality.”
It seems that Respawn Entertainment made a conscious decision to not include wall running in Apex Legends in order to create a more focused and tactical gameplay experience. While wall running was a popular mechanic in their previous game, Titanfall, they wanted to prioritize balance and accessibility in their new battle royale game.
My personal experience and thoughts about wall running
As a gamer who has played many games that feature wall running, I can say that it can be a very fun and satisfying mechanic. Wall running can add a new dimension to gameplay, allowing players to move around the map in new and exciting ways. It also adds a skill element, as wall running requires precise timing and coordination.
In my experience, wall running can also be frustrating at times. It can be difficult to get the timing right, and if you mess up, it can result in a fall that can cost you the game. Wall running can also be a bit disorienting, especially if the game is fast-paced and the map is cluttered with obstacles.
How wall running could potentially change the gameplay in Apex Legends
As someone who has played a lot of games that include wall running, I have seen how this mechanic can significantly alter the gameplay experience. Wall running can add a new level of verticality to the game, allowing players to traverse the map in unique and creative ways. It also creates opportunities for players to ambush their opponents from unexpected angles, making the game more dynamic and exciting.
In Apex Legends, adding wall running could open up a whole new dimension to the game. The game’s maps are already designed to be multi-level, with plenty of vertical areas for players to take advantage of. Wall running could give players even more options for movement, making it easier to get around obstacles and avoid danger. It could also make fights more intense, as players use wall running to dodge incoming fire and gain the high ground.
However, adding wall running could also have some drawbacks. For one, it could make the game more difficult for new players to learn, as wall running can be tricky to master. It could also make the game feel too different from what players are used to, potentially turning off longtime fans.
Should wall running be added to Apex Legends
After considering the benefits and drawbacks of wall running and examining Respawn Entertainment’s decision-making process, I’m left with the question of whether wall running should be added to Apex Legends.
As much as I enjoyed wall running in other games, I can see why Respawn decided not to include it in Apex Legends. The game already has a fast-paced and dynamic movement system that doesn’t rely on wall running, and adding it could throw off the balance of the game. Additionally, Respawn has already put a lot of effort into designing the current movement system and adding wall running could mean reworking many aspects of the game.
However, as a player who loves to experiment with different movement techniques, I can’t help but feel that wall running could add another layer of complexity to Apex Legends. It would open up new possibilities for flanking, dodging, and outmaneuvering opponents. It would also provide more ways to traverse the map quickly, making the game even more exciting.
I think the decision on whether or not to add wall running to Apex Legends should be based on what the community wants. Respawn has shown that they listen to feedback and make changes accordingly, so if there is enough demand for wall running, I think they would consider adding it.
So, while I understand why wall running wasn’t included in Apex Legends, I can’t help but feel that it could be a great addition to the game. As a player, I would love to see it implemented and I think it could bring a lot of new excitement to the game. However, I also recognize the potential drawbacks and the importance of maintaining the balance of the game, so ultimately the decision should be left to Respawn and the community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the absence of wall running in Apex Legends is a deliberate decision made by Respawn Entertainment. While wall running has its benefits in other games, it may not be suitable for the fast-paced and tactical gameplay of Apex Legends. Respawn Entertainment has made significant efforts to develop new and unique movement mechanics that complement the game’s existing gameplay elements.
Based on my personal experience with wall running in other games, I believe that adding wall running to Apex Legends could change the game’s dynamics and potentially create a more thrilling and immersive experience for players. However, I also understand the risks of adding wall running, which could potentially disrupt the game’s balance and negatively impact its overall gameplay.
In my opinion, Respawn Entertainment has done an excellent job with the movement mechanics in Apex Legends. While wall running could be a valuable addition, it is not necessary for the game to be enjoyable and competitive. Ultimately, the decision to include wall running or not should be left to the game developers, who understand the game’s mechanics and what is best for its overall experience. As a player, I will continue to enjoy and support Apex Legends, with or without wall running.
