Path of Exile Developers Promise Long-Term Support for the Original Game

Grinding Gear Games plans to continue developing Path of Exile alongside the full launch of Path of Exile 2.

According to game director Jonathan Rogers, Path of Exile remains highly popular and ranks among Steam’s three most popular games with each major update. He said the studio has no reason to stop supporting it. GGG has also designed its business model to keep development of both games profitable.

The microtransaction system plays an important role: purchased cosmetic items and extra stash tabs are available in both games. Rogers believes this approach gives the company a financial incentive to keep supporting the older game.

Path of Exile’s player count remains roughly consistent from one league to the next, although the audience is constantly changing. According to the studio’s statistics, only about a third of players in a new league come from the previous one. The rest return after several seasons away. The developers are happy with that pattern and are prepared to support the game for as long as fans want them to.

A third game is not currently being considered. Rogers said the studio would revisit the idea only if development of Path of Exile 2 reaches a plateau. The mobile version is also on hold. The studio acknowledged that it cannot support three games at once.

The next Path of Exile league, 3.30, starts November 13. The full release of Path of Exile 2 is scheduled for December 11.