Following the stunning presentation of Path of Exile 2 and its imminent early access launch, the excitement among gamers was palpable, leading to an immediate surge of purchases on Steam. This enthusiasm is justified; the visual and gameplay advancements showcased by Grinding Gear Games position Path of Exile 2 as a frontrunner in the action RPG (ARPG) genre. However, some players hesitate, choosing instead to hold off on their purchases until the last moment. Surprisingly, this isn’t merely about avoiding a fear of missing out; rather, these players genuinely feel they’ve missed their chance to snag a good deal.
Understanding the Price Adjustment of Path of Exile 2
While it may seem that Path of Exile 2’s price has gone up, this perception largely stems from the implementation of Steam’s regional pricing model. This system is designed to make games more affordable for players in regions with weaker economic conditions, thus enhancing accessibility and fostering a broad player base.
However, the ultimate responsibility for the game’s pricing lies with Grinding Gear Games. When Path of Exile 2 launched on Steam, it adhered to these regional pricing structures, creating significant discounts for certain countries.
For instance, some players were able to acquire the early access supporter pack at a staggering discount of less than $10, originally priced at $30. Initially, after the game’s release, players encountered a regional pricing display, yet experienced error code 2 when attempting to add the game to their cart.
A few hours later, the pricing stabilized, reflecting the established costs of each supporter pack converted to the local currency. As a long-time supporter of the Path of Exile franchise, I was pleasantly surprised by this adherence to regional pricing, although it remains specific to certain markets like Brazil and Russia; the majority of players globally still see USD pricing.
Evaluating the Value of Path of Exile 2’s Early Access
Once the regional pricing was removed, I found myself hesitant to purchase early access supporter packs, concerned that the previous discounts might return. Despite my uncertainties, it seems unrealistic that we would see a rollback in pricing. I, for one, plan to purchase the packs primarily to access points, having maintained an eligible account through purchases of various supporter packs over the years.
With discounts previously exceeding 50% in my region, I scoured Steam discussion forums to gather player feedback on this pricing shift. Reports indicated that numerous players shared similar grievances. Missing out on a substantial discount for a highly anticipated game is understandably frustrating.
For those in the US, such pricing issues may be less noticeable. However, despite this inconvenience, Path of Exile 2 is poised to deliver an exceptional experience. Having closely followed the game’s journey for nearly a decade, I can attest to the dedication of Grinding Gear Games in delivering a high-quality product, even in the face of initial setbacks.
Players recall previous leagues that did not gain traction (for example, Lake of Kalandra) yet, the developers consistently have shown an ability to adapt and enhance the game based on community feedback. They embrace innovative ideas, and this means that early access players can expect a unique experience that truly fits the description of “early access.” With the developers’ continuous pursuit of excellence, Path of Exile 2 appears promising for the future.
Alternatively, players can choose to wait for the full release, especially since the game will be offered for free. However, with the steep learning curve associated with Path of Exile, early engagement during the access period might be the best way to immerse oneself in the game alongside the community.
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