Even should you by no means truly performed Path of Exile, youβve possible heard about its comically gigantic passive talent tree. However a sentiment youβve most likely additionally heard repeatedly from the individuals who play it’s that itβs one of many uncommon free-to-play video games that doesn’t prey on its customers.
Path of Exile is commonly cited for example of how free-to-play might be completed pretty; providing gameplay choices and cosmetics for actual cash, with out taking away from the core expertise or comprising it in any (main) method.
Figuring out all of that, nonetheless, doesnβt cease one from elevating an eyebrow taking a look at these Path of Exile 2 supporter pack costs. They begin off at an affordable $30, however go all the way in which as much as an eye-watering $480! Sure, some editions do additionally embrace bodily objects, however even should you take these out, the rest nonetheless value properly over what your extra normal free-to-play video games usually ask of their gamers.
The worth of those bundles is totally decided by Grinding Gear Video games, after all, and the developer wouldnβt worth them that method if it didnβt know the packages have been going to promote. Actually, the developer has spent years refining its monetisation technique with the unique Path of Exile, and a few of that recreation’s bundles are equally costly, so there’s definitely an viewers for it.
One factor most individuals might not have picked up on, nonetheless, is that GGG can also be rewarding current gamers for his or her investments. Anybody who spent $480, or extra, on Path of Exile microtransactions will obtain an early entry key for the sequel. Now, sure, that’s not a small determine, however contemplating the sport has been out for a decade – that is 10 complete years! – many longtime gamers have possible invested near that already. With out even realising it, in lots of instances. That is solely about $48 per yr, if you break it down, or a measly $4 per 30 days — not that a lot money, within the grand scheme of issues.
It might not appear to be probably the most compelling provide at first look, but it surelyβs nonetheless a bonus that recognises the cash a sure phase of the participant base has already invested into the sport. The unique Path of Exile will not be going away, so these gamers can proceed having fun with the purchases theyβve collected for years, however additionally they have a cause to leap into the brand new recreation with out an upfront funding. It is each rewarding for sticky gamers, and opens up a brand new avenue for participant retention for GGG. Everybody wins?
Finally, it is a good enterprise determination on GGGβs half, but it surely additionally helps perpetuate the studioβs popularity of operating a good free-to-play mannequin. Wanting into the studioβs selections round Path of Exile monetisation through the years, youβll come throughout many cases the place your first thought can be βthey didnβt have to do that,β which I feel is precisely the place GGG needs to be.
Let that be a lesson to a number of the builders that appear to be chasing income first, forward of their gamers.
