Sweetdreams Takes a Step Back from Apex Legends
On February 22, the Apex Legends community was shaken by a significant announcement from one of its most notable players, Sweetdreams. The former IGL (In-Game Leader) for Luminosity Gaming disclosed that he would be taking an indefinite hiatus from competitive play, specifically from Year 5 of the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS). This decision came after a period of intense deliberation, during which Sweetdreams considered joining three different rosters. However, the financial concerns and uncertainties surrounding the future of the ALGS ultimately led him to step away from the scene.
The Financial Strain and Uncertainty
In a detailed post on his Discord, Sweetdreams explained the reasons behind his decision. He highlighted the removal of the ALGS Partnership Program, which had previously subsidized part of a player’s salary, as a significant factor. The program’s termination, coupled with the announcement that ALGS Year 6 would be canceled, created a situation where both pay and organizational support were declining. Sweetdreams also mentioned "a bunch of other behind-the-scenes stuff" that he couldn’t speak about, adding to the sense of uncertainty and instability in the esports ecosystem.
Community and Industry Reactions
Sweetdreams’ decision did not go unnoticed. The announcement sparked a wave of reactions from both the community and industry insiders. Hakis, an Apex player for the esports organization Alliance, contested the rumors, stating that he had spoken to multiple sources who claimed Sweetdreams was misinformed. However, the broader sentiment among many players and industry figures was one of concern. Former Apex coach for TSM, Raven, expressed his frustration, saying that the game is dying and that EA, the company behind Apex Legends, does not prioritize esports, using it primarily as an advertising tool for its games. This sentiment was echoed by other notable players like ImperialHal, who have been vocal about the game’s decline.
The Decline of Apex Legends
The decline of Apex Legends has been evident for some time. According to Steam Charts, the game’s player count has been on a slow decline since April 2024, with occasional upticks in player growth. In January, the game’s player count reached its lowest point since early 2021, with only 153,693 peak players. This trend has been attributed to various factors, including the ongoing cheater problem, which has escalated to the point where professional players’ accounts are being hacked. These security issues have led to content creators like AntiCheatPD advising players to avoid the game to protect their accounts from cheats and ransomware.
Impact on the Esports Scene
The decline in player numbers and the security issues have had a significant impact on the esports scene. Many organizations that were once heavily involved in Apex Legends have slowly stepped away. While some have returned, others, such as DarkZero, FaZe Clan, and OpTic Gaming, have not. The upcoming first split of the Pro League season, set to begin on April 6, will reveal whether more organizations will leave, stay, or join the scene. This uncertainty adds to the challenges faced by players like Sweetdreams, who must navigate a rapidly changing and often unstable environment.
Sweetdreams’ Future Plans
Despite stepping away from competitive play, Sweetdreams has not entirely left the Apex Legends community. He reassured his followers that he intends to continue streaming ranked matches in Apex while also expanding the scope of his content to include new and diverse elements. Sweetdreams emphasized his desire to make an impact this year and explore other opportunities. "I know this will come as a shock to some and some may be sad, but just know I fully intend on making an impact this year but just need to explore some other options," he said in his Discord post.
In the ever-evolving world of esports, Sweetdreams’ decision reflects the broader challenges faced by players and organizations in the Apex Legends scene. As the community and industry grapple with financial constraints, security issues, and declining player numbers, the future of the ALGS remains uncertain. However, Sweetdreams’ commitment to staying engaged and contributing to the community suggests that there is still hope for a resurgence in the scene.
