Path of Exile 2 will enter Early Access three weeks later than planned due to last-minute “work on server-side infrastructure.” More specifically, it’s about ensuring that microtransactions work seamlessly in both Path of Exile and the upcoming sequel. This is a long-promised feature that game director Jonathan Rogers says will require much more load testing before it can be made available.
In other words, it’s not like the game itself still needs work. “One of the key promises we made was that all microtransactions would work in Path of Exile 1 and 2,” Rogers said. “To do this, we need to integrate account systems not only for Path of Exile 1 and 2, but also for the console servers. This meant changing a lot of things: not only do we have to create a bunch of new systems, we have to make sure all the old data is backwards compatible with them.”
As you might expect, this creates logistical problems. “When you start migrating databases this old with this much data, you find all sorts of weird demons in them,” Rogers said, before listing a terrifying litany of problematic inputs that makes me want a stiff drink. Later he continues: “We have to make everything perfect so that no one loses what he paid for and no one has his account canceled.”
So the stakes are quite high. Rogers adds that while the original November 15 release date is still possible, it’s uncertain whether it will be possible to meet the deadline without making mistakes.
The livestream will begin in about four weeks and, according to Rogers, will include content we can expect from the actual launch of Path of Exile 2. Meanwhile, the original early access date announcement included some significant information about the more advanced ARPG.
