Overview
- Players of Path of Exile 2 express dissatisfaction over new premium items amid ongoing game concerns.
- Community backlash has led to a decline in Steam reviews, predominantly against the recent cosmetic offerings.
- Responses on Twitter to the microtransaction updates show mixed feelings, with some approving of new features while others criticize pricing.
Recent announcements by Grinding Gear Games regarding new premium items in Path of Exile 2 have not been well-received by the community. Dubbed by some fans as a case of “perfect timing,”this release of cosmetic Skill Effects coincides with calls from the player base urging the developers to focus on resolving pressing gameplay issues. Since the introduction of the Dawn of the Hunt patch, which many believe negatively impacted game performance, the title has faced a noticeable reduction in active players. Consequently, this has resulted in a downward trend in Steam reviews, shifting toward a more negative sentiment.
Following the rollout of the Dawn of the Hunt update, the game’s review rating on Steam plummeted to “Mixed”and further descended into “Mostly Negative”territory after the developers announced subsequent changes. Despite the game maintaining a considerable player base, recent days have revealed significant challenges for Grinding Gear Games. The community’s discontent is exemplified by the criticism surrounding the latest in-game shop modifications and the introduction of new cosmetic items.
Path of Exile 2’s Steam announcement regarding the new cosmetic offerings has received scant positive feedback, gathering over 700 comments that largely reflect dissatisfaction with the developer’s direction. Although Grinding Gear Games has vocalized commitments to address community concerns, reactions to the recent microtransactions indicate that their efforts have yet to resonate with players.
Microtransactions Ignite New Controversies in PoE 2
The discourse on Twitter regarding the recent microtransactions has shown a more varied response. While several fans have commended the new cosmetic offerings—some labeling them as irresistible—there remains a contingent that voices strong opinions against their pricing. As of now, Grinding Gear Games has not publicly responded to these critiques, although they have assured the community of their dedication to enhancing the game experience. A notable positive attributed to the microtransaction dialogue is the introduction of a valuable feature, which allows players to respec their Ascendancy classes.
Importantly, Path of Exile 2 is currently in early access, a phase designated for identifying gameplay issues and refining mechanics prior to a full launch. Hence, there exists ample opportunity for the developers to regain their community’s trust and restore the engaging experience that fans initially loved.