Fans of Path of Exile are facing a setback as Grinding Gear Games announced a delay in the release of update 3.26. The delay comes amidst ongoing development issues with Path of Exile 2, leading to adjustments in the studio’s support plans. This development marks a significant moment for the long-standing player base, who have been anticipating new content and improvements to the original game.
Earlier reports indicated that Grinding Gear Games planned to simultaneously support both Path of Exile and its sequel. However, recent developments reveal that balancing resources between the two has proven more challenging than initially expected. This shift has resulted in the postponement of the anticipated update for the original game.
Why Was the Update Postponed?
Jonathan Rogers, the director of Path of Exile 2, addressed the delay by stating,
“And we do intend to keep that promise,”
but admitted that coordinating updates for both games has been more difficult than anticipated. The release of PoE2’s expansion created unforeseen complications that required the reallocation of development resources.
How Are Fans Reacting?
The announcement has sparked a range of emotions among the Path of Exile community. On the subreddit, some fans expressed frustration, dubbing the situation with memes and critical comments. Others have remained hopeful that Grinding Gear Games will resolve the issues promptly and deliver the promised content.
What Are the Next Steps for Grinding Gear Games?
According to Rogers, the immediate focus is on stabilizing Path of Exile 2.
“We can’t really work on PoE 3.26 until PoE2 0.2.0 has shipped,”
he explained. The studio aims to address the critical problems in PoE2 before diverting attention back to the original game, with no definitive date set for the update’s release.
Fans can expect continued communication from Grinding Gear Games as they work through these challenges. The situation underscores the complexity of managing multiple large-scale games simultaneously and the impact such decisions have on a dedicated player base.
Ensuring the quality and stability of both Path of Exile and its sequel is crucial for maintaining player trust and satisfaction. Grinding Gear Games’ commitment to resolving these issues transparently may help mitigate some of the community’s disappointment. Moving forward, clear timelines and consistent updates will be essential in restoring confidence among the fanbase.
