Unveiling the Origins and Influences Behind Apex Legends' Conduit Writer
Discover the remarkable tale of Christal Rose Hazelton, the brilliant mind behind Apex Legends' Conduit character Game Rant delves into the inspiring backstory of this infectiously positive hero, highlighting the profound impact of family support and the exploration of personal identity
The "Ignite" update for Apex Legends is almost here, and it brings a new Legend to Season 19 of the Apex Games. Meet Conduit, a support hero who excels at boosting shields and keeping up with fast-paced teammates. With a lively personality and a natural ability, Conduit is a standout competitor in Apex Legends. She fights in the Apex Games to fulfill her dream and to repay a personal debt to her sister.
Our website recently had the privilege of interviewing Christal Rose Hazelton, the writer behind Conduit, to learn more about the Legend's backstory, motivations, and family history. Support players should definitely pay attention to Conduit when she arrives on Tuesday, October 31.
The Heart of Her Team
Experienced Titanfall 2 players will observe how Respawn cleverly integrated aspects of the Monarch Titan's structure into the character design of Conduit.
During our discussions, we emphasized how Conduit's personality should embody the "heart" of the team and exude an energetic aura akin to "a living battery." Additionally, considering the Radiant Transfer shield recharge ability, it seemed logical to reflect these traits more literally in the character design.
The Monarch Titan's battery connects to Conduit's tactical ability, allowing her to temporarily recharge her squad mates' shield damage. This serves as a protective measure against attrition rather than granting unlimited health. The connection between Conduit and the Monarch Titan is further explored in the SFTO Trailer titled "For Us, Utang Na Loob." This title translates to "a debt to one's inner self" in Filipino. In the trailer, a Monarch Titan defends Conduit's family from a horde of murderous Ion Titans and selflessly sacrifices itself to destroy the invading force. The "utang na loob" refers to the obligation to repay an invaluable favor, which could apply to either the Monarch Titan and its pilot or Conduit's older sister, Diwa, who sacrifices her own well-being to care for her family.
Infectious Positivity
Hazelton initially had a different vision for Conduit. In her original pitch, she wanted the character to be more weary, carrying a heavy burden like Diwa. However, the team expressed a desire for a lighter and more enthusiastic presence. In response, Hazelton proposed another idea: a character who is a superfan of the Apex Games. Fans of something possess an exciting, passionate, knowledgeable, and deep love for it. They exude a contagious energy.
Conduit's love for the games predates her participation as a contender, making her experience in the ring truly aspirational. This enthusiasm is evident in both her personality and her mechanics. While the Apex Games attract numerous hopefuls, many of the contenders have been hardened by battles and possess killer instincts. Conduit's positivity and selfless motives stand out brightly amidst the darker elements of Apex Legends' roster.
Having dedicated herself to studying other legends, Conduit possesses valuable insights into the tactics and abilities of her opponents. This knowledge allows her to effectively collaborate with allies and form synergistic strategies. As a Support character, Conduit seamlessly integrates into any Trio, including fellow support Legends like Newcastle and Lifeline.
Family Support and Identity
Similar to other Legends such as Newcastle and Bangalore, Conduit's backstory also revolves around a sibling relationship. However, unlike the typical conflict and hidden identities, Conduit's family dynamics are marked by consistent support and unity. She shares a strong bond with her family, taking inspiration from Diwa's path and making her own contributions to the family.
Interestingly, the development of Conduit's character was finalized after the release of The Apex Legends Cookbook. It's unfortunate that the cookbook missed the opportunity to showcase the abundance of delicious food that can be seen in Conduit's "Utang Na Loob" Trailer. Among the mouthwatering choices, Hazelton believes that Conduit would be best represented by dishes like "pork sinigang, lumpia shanghai, pancit canton, lechon, or the always popular chicken adobo."
Apex Legends is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Season 19 starts next Tuesday, October 31.
