Why did Apex give 8 free Apex Packs?

Could you please elaborate on why Apex Legends decided to give away 8 free Apex Packs to its players? Was this a marketing strategy to attract new users or a token of appreciation for the loyal fanbase? How does this move align with the game's business model and future plans? It's intriguing to see such a generous offer in the gaming industry, so I'm curious to know the thought process behind it.