When Path of Exile initially debuted, it presented a refreshing change in the ARPG landscape during a time when Diablo 2 was the standard and Diablo 3 was gradually overcoming a challenging launch. Fast forward over a decade, and the situation has transformed dramatically. Diablo 4 has made a smoother entry compared to its predecessor, and titles like Lost Ark, Last Epoch, and Grim Dawn present significant competition for the still-in-early-access Path of Exile 2.

In a recent conversation, Jonathan Rogers, the game director of Path of Exile 2, expressed that their main objective isn’t merely to dominate the ARPG scene. “There is room for quite a lot of different players in the genre. It doesn’t have to be that one game outshines the rest,” he stated.

Rogers’s calm demeanor toward the industry competition comes partly from the prevalent seasonal update model that many ARPGs implement today, enticing players to return every few months to initiate new characters and explore the latest updates.

He observed, “[ARPGs] are among the genres where the player community has fully embraced the seasonal model, where you play for a while, take a break, and then return for the next season.” He believes this approach will allow Path of Exile 2, Diablo 4, and other titles to thrive alongside each other.

Rogers added, “As long as players are willing to engage with our game for a month four times a year, I’m happy.” Interestingly, he doesn’t spend excessive time playing other ARPGs. Instead, when seeking design inspiration, he looks beyond his genre, often drawn to games like Civilization for innovative mechanics.

Path of Exile 2 is currently available for early access purchase on Steam, with Grinding Gear Games recently unveiling its first major update, expected to arrive shortly.