Lance Interviews Jonathan Rogers about Path of Exile 2

Summary

In this interview, Jonathan, the game director of 'Path of Exile 2', discusses the game's development, highlighting the impressive boss fights, particularly the T GOA defiler. He hints at the return of the beloved 'Righteous Fire' skill and reflects on unexpected player strategies, like the worm Blaster. Jonathan also addresses the game's economy, item progression, and the intention to make unique items rarer and more meaningful. He shares insights on the game's trade system, the mapping system, and the potential for new and upgraded bosses. Finally, he touches on the game's accessibility for new players and the possibility of unconventional gear sets.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The game director's current favorite boss fight is the T GOA defiler, which is described as having numerous and outrageous abilities.
• 🔥 The T GOA defiler boss has additional abilities that were not showcased in the demo, hinting at a more complex and challenging encounter.
• 🗡 The developers are cautious about revealing too much about the 'Righteous Fire' skill in Path of Exile 2, indicating it exists but with changes.
• 🧙‍♂️ The developers have been impressed by the player base's innovative uses of skills and items, such as the various iterations of the Worm Blaster.
• 💎 The grind for unique items like Mageblood in Path of Exile 2 is intended to feel rewarding and not too easy to obtain, unlike in the current Path of Exile.
• 🛒 The in-game economy of Path of Exile 2 will not have sources of quantity except through increased magic and rare monsters or party members, aiming to address the loot problem.
• 🔑 Identification will be free in Path of Exile 2 once a certain character is rescued, and the rarity of items like scrolls will decrease post-rescue to prevent item clutter.
• 🏆 The developers are considering instant buyouts and using gold as a tax fee in the trade system of Path of Exile 2, with the aim of preventing hyperinflation.
• 🗺 The mapping system in Path of Exile 2 is a pivotal point where the game opens up, and understanding it is crucial for players to feel they've mastered the game.
• 🤝 The skill gem system in Path of Exile 2 aims to be more accessible, resembling a skill tree and guiding new players without overwhelming them with choices.
• 🛡️ The developers are open to unconventional gear sets and skill interactions, although they acknowledge the challenges in balancing and animating such features.

Q & A

What is Jonathan's favorite boss fight in Path of Exile 2 so far?

Jonathan's favorite boss fight is the T GOA defiler, which he describes as the most outrageous boss they've ever created with a variety of abilities.

Why was the T GOA defiler boss fight frustrating during the demo?

The T GOA defiler was frustrating because it wasn't using half of its abilities during the demo, which made the fight seem less challenging than it could be.

Is the skill 'Righteous Fire' going to be in Path of Exile 2?

Righteous Fire is in Path of Exile 2, but it works a little bit differently and the specifics are not yet disclosed.

What was the most impressive or shocking thing players did with the game mechanics that the developers didn't expect?

The most impressive and unexpected player creation was the various iterations of the Worm Blaster, which was a very creative use of the worm flask.

How does the item progression feel in Path of Exile 2 compared to the first game?

The item progression in Path of Exile 2 aims to feel good, with a sense of progression where rare items are not obtained immediately but are still rare and valuable.

What changes are being made to the rarity system in Path of Exile 2?

In Path of Exile 2, the rarity system has been revamped to ensure that more rarity equals better items, not just more items. This includes a tier system for rares and better currency items when rarity is rolled.

What is the approach to trade in Path of Exile 2 regarding instant buyouts and hyperinflation?

The developers plan to have instant buyouts in Path of Exile 2 without causing hyperinflation, by correctly pricing the gold and making trade more restrictive compared to other games.

Will there be entirely new endgame bosses or will some familiar ones return in Path of Exile 2?

While existing league bosses will be upgraded with new abilities and appearances, iconic bosses like the Shaper and Ziri are not expected to return in Path of Exile 2.

How is the skill gem system presented in Path of Exile 2 to make it more accessible?

The skill gem system in Path of Exile 2 is presented in a way that feels like a skill tree, making it easier for new players to understand and choose skills without being overwhelmed by options.

What is the status of unconventional gear sets like dual-wielding shields in Path of Exile 2?

While there are no current plans for unconventional gear sets like dual-wielding shields, the developers are open to the idea and have included unique items with unusual effects.

How are ailments and their management being approached in Path of Exile 2?

Ailments in Path of Exile 2 are intended to be more meaningful and harder to apply, requiring players to be more conscious of their effects and management during combat.

Will race events and their rewards make a return in Path of Exile 2?

Race events are unlikely to return in Path of Exile 2 due to their lack of impact on player engagement and the resource-intensive nature of organizing them.