In a recent discussion, Jonathan Rogers, the director of Path of Exile, shared insights into his approach to scheduling major updates for the game. Historically, he has maintained a relaxed stance regarding the timing of releases from other titles, particularly within the seasonal action RPG genre. However, this year presents a unique challenge as the highly anticipated release of Path of Exile 2 is set to coincide closely with that of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Timing and Community Expectations
During an interview with Chris Wilson, co-creator of Path of Exile and former director at Grinding Gear Games, Rogers emphasized that the timing of other game launches rarely influences their own schedule. He noted, “Honestly, the community would slay us if they thought that we were delaying things just because some other game had a thing coming out.” This candid remark underscores the strong relationship between the developers and their dedicated fanbase, which has been nurtured over 13 years of consistent expansion releases.
With ExileCon approaching in early November, the release of Path of Exile 2 is anticipated to land shortly before or after the November 19 launch of GTA 6. While Rogers does not suggest a delay for his game, he acknowledges the need to consider the timing of such a monumental release in the gaming world.
Despite the looming presence of GTA 6, which has garnered immense excitement, Rogers remains confident that the fervor surrounding Path of Exile 2 will prevail. The game has cultivated a loyal following of loot-seeking players, and Rogers believes that a slight buffer between the two releases could help maintain the momentum for his title.
Adding a touch of humor to the conversation, Wilson playfully referenced the longstanding comparisons between Path of Exile and Blizzard’s Diablo series, remarking on the “David versus Goliath” dynamic. Rogers responded with a laugh, acknowledging the challenge posed by Rockstar Games, stating, “Well, yeah, that’s a Goliath I don’t want to take on quite frankly.”
