Shocking News: Apex Legends Writer Gets Laid Off After Her Character Drops

Because, of course, she did. It’s 2025, and the games industry continues to speedrun new lows.

Just one day—one single day—after Apex Legends dropped its newest character, Sparrow, the very writer who helped bring him to life got the boot. That writer? Heather Woodward, a narrative designer at Respawn who spent over a year crafting Sparrow’s backstory, writing his trailer, and shaping him into a fully realized Legend.

And how was she rewarded? With a layoff. Less than 24 hours after release. Cool, cool, cool.

One Day You’re Writing a Legend, The Next You’re Unemployed

Woodward was rightfully proud when Sparrow dropped. She posted about how much she loved working on the launch trailer—how challenging, rewarding, and creatively fulfilling it was. Her energy was infectious. Her work? Impeccable.

Then boom—next day, she’s out. Part of a wider wave of layoffs at Respawn.

And just to pour a little extra salt on that open wound? She received a promotional email for Sparrow after being let go.

You can’t make this up. You wouldn’t want to.

“I Still Hope He Soars”

Despite everything, Woodward stayed classy—calling Apex Legends her “favorite job” and saying she still hopes Sparrow finds success. That’s real love for the craft. The kind that doesn’t deserve a cold exit and a mass email reminder that you’re no longer on the team.

But this isn’t a one-off incident. It’s a brutal pattern. Devs are getting axed no matter how good the game is, no matter how beloved the content, no matter how hard they worked. The industry is throwing people overboard mid-victory lap—and still wondering why morale’s in the dumpster.

Final Thoughts: This Ain’t Sustainable

This is the kind of story that pisses you off because it’s not rare anymore—it’s routine. The people making our favorite games are treated like replaceable parts, even as the studios post record engagement and rake in cash from battle passes.

Sparrow deserved his moment. So did the writer who gave him wings. Seiously Apex Legends could have waited just a bit before dolling out the emails that would change their employees lives.

And if studios keep pulling this “thanks for the content, here’s the door” nonsense, don’t be surprised when the talent flies elsewhere—maybe somewhere that doesn’t send a termination email right after you drop the trailer.