This year’s ExileCon appears to have ignited a fierce debate among the action RPG community, namely whether or not Path of Exile 2’s arrival in roughly 2 years (or less) will signal the end for Blizzard Entertainment.
Grinding Gear Games’ most recent showcase revealed plenty of key details about the highly anticipated follow-up to Path of Exile, which came out in 2013, brewing up quite a storm among fans of the genre. Specifically, the internet has come to label the follow-up as a potential “Diablo 4 killer.” Yet, the remains that the said term is a misleading nomenclature, which is suggestive of a brutal winner-takes-all brawl. In reality, Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, when it does come out, aren’t locked in a mutually exclusive battle. Instead, they’re weaving complementary narratives that can only serve to benefit the entirety of the broader ARPG genre.
How so? Let us explain.
Based on available information, Path of Exile 2, on paper, appears to have the upper hand. The sequel boasts an extensive customization process, a robust campaign teeming with over a hundred unique bosses, and a dozen classes each with three Ascendancy classes. However, the game is still shrouded with uncertainty regarding its handling of endgame sections and seasonal content – a traditional three-month-long “Leagues” offering fresh gameplay loops and exclusive rewards.
Simultaneously, Diablo 4 is grappling with its own very public issues. A decline in popularity, attributed largely to its Season 1 update, Season of the Malignant, highlighted a series of underlying and already-existing problems as well as newer ones. Furthermore, player discontent regarding its battle pass and seasonal additions has cast a looming shadow over the franchise. Even so, Diablo 4 still holds its ground with its strengths, such as the impressive open-world aspect.
Given the original Path of Exile’s history, it’s possible that Path of Exile 2 will face similar issues. Therefore, deeming Path of Exile 2 a clear winner between the two games is premature. Not to mention, by the time that Path of Exile even starts its beta next June, Blizzard will have released its fifth season for Diablo 4 already, and quite possibly, at least one of its two planned expansions.
As much as Blizzard fumbled the ball with Diablo 4, one thing it got right was its long-term plans. This was the biggest red flag in earlier Campfire Chats but it might be its saving grace.
Owning up to their mistake, Diablo 4’s development team thought too far ahead, compromising the interim experience. It has resulted in a less-than-satisfactory update that had fans wanting rollbacks instead of changes. Already, Diablo 4 is showing signs of life.
While it’s true that Diablo 4’s biggest issues, namely the lack of endgame content, remain, these are solvable problems.
As much as it hurts to admit it, Blizzard released Diablo 4 too early with far too little content, or, at the very less, less than what most expected. Thus, the first few seasons will act as an extended beta for Diablo 4 as Blizzard grinds, or so to speak. Now armed with the bitter lessons from the launch of Season 1, which GGG sympathizes with, Blizzard has a chance to do better. A year is a relatively long time to flip the script, make the necessary improvements, and change the narrative entirely. This way, by the time that Path of Exile 2 is out, Diablo 4 will be in its best state yet.
Of course, that’s a big IF, and one thing that Blizzard doesn’t have is a dedicated team of developers who actually love the genre. GGG’s distinct approach to APRG, exemplified by Path of Exile, is highlighted by a willingness to take risks and create a game that the developers themselves would actually love. On the other hand, the prevailing theory is that Diablo 4 and its development team are caught between a rock and a hard place. Although filled with individual talent, it appears they’ve not played an APRG in a while if ever – Diablo 4 feels like a game that relies too much on well-established gameplay and stunning art design to mask the flaws like its endgame content, itemization, and balance, or the lack thereofs.
Perhaps it’s true that the people behind Diablo 4 find themselves pressured by higher management to make decisions that aren’t necessarily in the game’s best interest. After all, Diablo 4 is still the fastest-selling title in the company’s history, with nearly a billion made in revenue roughly a week into its launch.
So, if Diablo 4 is succeeding, why mess with it, right? But, you could argue that Diablo 4 is selling well in spite of its growing list of dilemmas. Now that the backlash to Diablo 4 is clear, maybe those higher up on the corporate ladder will give those taking flack some breathing room to flex their creative muscles.
Only time will tell how much Diablo 4 will improve by the time Path of Exile 2 hits the storeshelves, and we’re sure GGG will seek ways to better the sequel as well.
As we anticipate the release of Path of Exile 2 and watch Diablo 4 strive to better itself, it’s crucial to remember that the existence of one does not necessitate the demise of the other. This so-called rivalry can drive both games to deliver richer and more immersive experiences.
Ultimately, it’s not about finding a “Diablo Killer” but about cherishing the shared wisdom, the influences, and even the mistakes, that both games contribute to the gaming world.
