Well before its official release, this highly anticipated game has already been downloaded and purchased by more than a million enthusiasts. The most surprising thing is that it hasn’t even been finalized yet… And it will be free in a few months!
More than a million sales even before it went live, nearly 600,000 people connected simultaneously to Steam on the day of its release, and initial rave reviews from both players and specialist journalists: these are results one would dream of any development studio for the launch of a new video game.
And this success is all the more remarkable since the title in question has not even been finalized yet! More precisely, it has just been published by its creators in “early access”, a somewhat particular method of distribution, in which a game still in development is offered for sale, at a price often lower than that of its final version. . But that’s not even the case here! Because, like its predecessor, this game will be completely free upon its official release!
But then, why have more than a million people paid rubbish for an unfinished cultural work, which they will nevertheless be able to access without spending a cent in just a few months?
The enigma seems all the more obscure as it concerns what we call a hack & slasha type of video game that is particularly complex and not really welcoming to neophytes: the most famous of the genre is Diablo IIa legendary title released in 2000 and which has since spawned numerous spiritual descendants. For the uninitiated, these are action-RPG type games, often with a “top view” in “isometric” 3D, in which you have to decimate hordes of monsters and defeat formidable bosses. To achieve this, you must patiently and carefully develop your character, equipping him with increasingly powerful powers and objects, which must be combined in a creative… and deadly way.
Among the many titles of the genre, Path Of Exile has enjoyed a unique aura since its release in 2013. And its sequel seems set to follow the same path. Because Path Of Exile 2which we are talking about here, uses the same original recipe.
First of all, the economic model of the two games contrasts sharply with the trends in the rest of the industry. As said above, Path Of Exile 1 et 2 are completely free titles, which are only financed by the presence of in-game purchases, the famous “microtransactions” which have spread like weeds in recent years.
But unlike other games which adopt this economic model, purchases here only concern purely cosmetic elements, without any mechanical or statistical impact on the game. Exit then lootbox, season pass and other player retention techniques to force them to spend hours on a title while stripping them of their last.
In Path Of Exilemicrotransactions provide no benefit other than aesthetic, and those who pay do so solely to support the game and its creators. And if the formula works, it’s because the title is of a richness and generosity that is quite rare in the contemporary video game industry.
Grinding Gear Gamesthe New Zealand studio behind Path Of Exiletakes particular care of his work and is very attentive to the feedback and expectations of his immense community of players. The first opus, released in 2013, was constantly enriched with new content and improved during its eleven years of existence.
Et Path Of Exile 2whose early access just arrived on December 6, is already taking the same path. Although unfinished, the title is already dizzying in its current state: a gigantic map, varied environments, a comprehensive bestiary, dozens of character styles, and innovative combat mechanics which radically transform the classic formula of the hack & slash.
A great track record for a game still in development, which only bodes well for the future. If Path Of Exile 2 intrigues you and you want to try the adventure now, you will then have to pay €27.75 to take advantage of early access and support the developers. And if not, you will just have to wait wisely for the title to become free after its release, and to wait while taking advantage of the numerous videos of the game which are already flourishing on the web.
