One of the things that makes Apex Legends a staple in the battle royale genre – and one of the most popular multiplayer games in the world over the past few years – is the varied cast of characters called Legends. The game started out with nine Legends from various backgrounds, of many different ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations that fans could relate to, including a non-binary character. The game has continued to grow in this area, as each new season brings about a new Legend. That will continue with Season 9, and recently Respawn Entertainment hinted that the newest Legend may come from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan is a massive video game market. In 2020, video game console spending hit over hit over $50 billion, with Japan a big part of that, especially where the Nintendo Switch continues to be a huge success. Recently, Apex Legends was ported to Switch, so it is likely that a new group of players will enjoy the battle royale. With both Sony and Nintendo based in Japan, the gaming market has often been dictated by the country's success. Apex Legends is already popular in Japan, and it could become even more loved with some strategic decisions.

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Chad Grenier from Respawn recently talked with Famitsu about the Switch version of Apex Legends, as well as the future of the game on the platform. Grenier said that Respawn Entertainment has been thrilled to bring Apex Legends to the Switch players in Japan. But he did not stop there. While talking about Season 9 of Apex Legends, which will likely start in a couple of months, he mentioned that the new Legend he hopes will be liked in Japan.

That hint from Grenier makes it sound like Season 9's Legend could be of Japanese ethnicity. Apex Legends has characters from France, Brazil, Jamacia, Korea, and other locations all over the world. A Japan-based character would be a great addition. However, Grenier's statement is certainly not a confirmation of anything, either.

I love Japan and it’s a country where people play Apex a lot. I hope we can deliver unique content to Japan. I mentioned a little about Season 9, but the legend in Season 9 I hope will be liked in Japan.

There are plenty of characters that are in line waiting to enter the fray in Apex Legends, according to leaks and rumors. Fans have been waiting for characters like Blisk, Valk, and Ash to join the Apex Legends roster. Grenier could certainly be hinting at any of those characters, but his idea of saying that the Japan crowd would specifically like the Season 9 Legend implies that it may come from that region.

Apex Legends is available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.

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Source: Famitsu (via Dexerto)