When Respawn Entertainment (subsidiary of Electronic Arts) decided to change its Apex Legends "Iron Crown" event, it sent its developers to the wild lands of Reddit to talk with fans about monetization, business models, and everything in between.

What developed from there were hurt feelings, ad hominem attacks, and all manner of insults and recriminations; from redditors, yes, but, more significantly, from the developers themselves.

After the fireworks, Respawn CEO Vince Zampella took to Twitter to make an apology to "those offended".

But why was the approach chosen by Mr. Zampella likely a mistake?

An apology *can* hurt...in Virtual Legality.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/B8BoXHFT_TI

#ApexLegends #Respawn #VirtualLegality

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Discussed in this episode:

"Respawn CEO Vince Zampella apologizes for developer comments in Apex Legends furor"
PC Gamer - August 19, 2019 - Andy Chalk
(https://www.pcgamer.com/respawn-ceo-vince-zampella-apologizes-for-developer-comments-in-apex-legends-furor/)

"On Friday, we gave Apex fans an update..."
Tweet - August 19, 2019 - Vince Zampella
(https://twitter.com/VinceZampella/status/1163573367091240960)

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PODCAST VERSIONS AVAILABLE AT

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iTunes:
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/virtual-legality/id1448785539?mt=2)

SoundCloud:
(https://soundcloud.com/user-510342404)

Google Play Music:
(https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/In3d7qersx72lvzehxo7gu6cd5u)

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"Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).

Rick has practiced for more than a decade at some of the country's largest law firms, representing IT, software, video game, and other technology companies, as well as the individuals and institutions which fund them.

DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!

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FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: https://hoeglaw.com/

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at https://hoeglaw.wordpress.com/

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

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