If you’ve even briefly dipped a toe into the world of Path of Exile, you’ve probably heard about its hilariously massive passive skill tree. But there’s something else that stands out about this game: its reputation as one of the few free-to-play titles that doesn’t exploit its players.
Path of Exile frequently serves as a shining example of how free-to-play can be implemented fairly. It offers players optional gameplay enhancements and cosmetic items for purchase, all without detracting from the core game experience.
Now, with all that in mind, it’s hard not to do a double-take when you see the pricing for Path of Exile 2 supporter packs. Starting at a reasonably priced $30, the upper end hikes all the way up to a jaw-dropping $480! Yes, some of these packages come with physical goodies, but even reducing the price by excluding these extras, you’re still looking at a hefty sum compared to what most free-to-play games typically charge.
The worth of these bundles is, naturally, determined by Grinding Gear Games. They wouldn’t set such high prices if they weren’t confident these packages would actually find buyers. Over the years, the company has fine-tuned its monetization approach with the original Path of Exile, which also offered similarly priced bundles, and there’s clearly a market willing to pay.
What many might not realize, however, is the benefit existing players are receiving. Those who’ve spent $480 or more on Path of Exile’s microtransactions will snag early access to the sequel. It’s not an insignificant number, but considering the game’s been around for a solid decade, many dedicated players may have already spent that much without even noticing. Spread out, that’s merely $48 per year, or around $4 monthly—a pretty small investment when you break it down.
Though it might not initially seem like the most tempting offer, it’s a neat gesture acknowledging the financial commitment a slice of the player base has already made. Plus, since the original Path of Exile isn’t vanishing anytime soon, those players can continue to enjoy their purchases while having the option to dive into the new game without any additional cost. This not only rewards loyal players but also helps retain them—everyone gains something here, right?
In the end, this move by Grinding Gear Games is savvy from a business perspective. It also reinforces their reputation for genuinely fair free-to-play practices. Looking at their monetization choices over the years, you’ll often think, “Wow, they didn’t need to do that.” It’s a position that clearly reflects where GGG wants to be.
This could serve as a valuable lesson to other developers who might be prioritizing profits over their players’ experience.
