Asmongold, a well-known streamer, has sparked some interesting conversation by expressing his opinion that Path of Exile 2 might very well lure away a portion of Diablo 4’s audience. He recently dove into his thoughts on this in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, discussing how the anticipated release of Path of Exile 2 on December 6 could shake things up.
Path of Exile 2 is gearing up for its early access release, offering players three new campaign acts, a selection of six diverse character classes, and a robust endgame system. On the other hand, Diablo 4 has been working hard to implement several player-requested updates as it prepares for the upcoming launch of its seventh season. While Path of Exile might not boast the same legacy as the Diablo series, it’s definitely emerging as a formidable competitor. It’s a competition that both Blizzard and the gaming community are taking note of.
In his YouTube video, Asmongold highlighted some compelling reasons why Path of Exile 2 stands out against Diablo 4. One of his key observations was the sequel’s improved accessibility for newcomers, a significant upgrade from the original Path of Exile. The first game was notoriously intricate, which often discouraged potential fans. However, Asmongold feels that the sequel not only simplifies things without sacrificing depth but also enhances its visual appeal, offering a more refined experience that stands out in both style and substance, especially when compared to Diablo 4.
Turning to the competitive market aspect, Asmongold predicts Path of Exile 2 will indeed siphon off some of Diablo 4’s market share. The sequel’s free-to-play model contrasts sharply with Diablo 4’s pricing and additional microtransactions, which have been a source of player discontent. Asmongold’s views seem to resonate with Blizzard as well, hinted at by a cryptic tweet from Rod Fergusson, Diablo’s General Manager, who suggested that action RPGs should be called “Diablo-like.” This comment came right after Path of Exile 2 experienced a record-breaking stream, possibly indicating Blizzard’s awareness of the shifting tides.
Fergusson’s statement didn’t sit well with everyone, drawing criticism from players who defended Path of Exile as the true “Diablo-like.” Many community members took this opportunity to voice their grievances regarding Diablo 4’s monetization strategies and certain design flaws, with some playfully challenging, “When you make a good Diablo game, then we can talk.”
Despite Diablo 4’s strides since launch, its rocky start, characterized by bugs and costly features, casts a stark contrast to the buzz around Path of Exile 2. Whether Path of Exile 2 can truly captivate Diablo 4’s audience, as Asmongold predicts, remains an open question, but it certainly adds an exciting layer of competition for fans of the genre.
