Mark Roberts
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Path of Exile 2's campaign finale includes "more than one act," but its Director is "being a bit coy" about what it actually is
Path of Exile 2 Game Director Jonathan Rogers revealed that the game's campaign finale will consist of more than one act, though details remain scarce. He also confirmed that elements from the removed interlude acts will be integrated into the endgame or quests, ensuring no development is wasted. Rogers expressed pride in the game's boss design and endgame, while acknowledging that new user understandability is an area for improvement.
Path of Exile's total skill gem overhaul is the perfect moment for new players to jump in
The upcoming Path of Exile 3.29 update, Curse of the Allflame, introduces significant changes to skill gems, making the game more accessible for new players. Grinding Gear Games is removing gem-specific socket color restrictions and rebalancing over 150 skills, with a focus on spellcasters. Game Director Mark Roberts hopes these changes will encourage diverse build experimentation beyond the traditional 'Rolling Magma' starter skill. The update launches July 24, 2026, and both Path of Exile and Path of Exile 2 will continue to receive alternating updates.
Path of Exile devs want it to be easier for new players, but still won't let you skip its 20-hour campaign every league—at least not yet: 'It feels very wrong to me'
Grinding Gear Games developers have stated that they will not implement a campaign skip for Path of Exile or Path of Exile 2, despite frequent player requests. Game director Mark Roberts believes completing the campaign is integral to the player's connection with their character and the overall game experience. While some systems have been updated to improve the new player experience, the lengthy campaign remains a core, non-skippable element.
Path of Exile is ripping up the rulebook, and nothing is "untouchable" - but don't get your hopes up for a campaign skip
Grinding Gear Games directors Mark Roberts and Christopher Laferriere discussed upcoming changes for Path of Exile 3.29, including the removal of socket colors and the introduction of underwater combat. They confirmed that while no changes are off the table, campaign skips are not currently planned, as they believe the journey is integral to character development and player investment. The developers also touched on the addition of a new Scion ascendancy and the ongoing development of Path of Exile 2.
Colorless skill gem sockets are coming in Path of Exile’s Curse of the Allflame
Grinding Gear Games announced upcoming changes to Path of Exile, including a significant rework of skill gem sockets that will remove color restrictions. This change aims to increase player flexibility and reduce barriers to entry for new and returning players. Designers Christopher Laferriere and Mark Roberts highlighted the goal of community growth as a key driver for this and other updates.
Go under the sea in Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame, launching July 24
Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame, the next major update for the action RPG, is set to launch on July 24th. This expansion introduces a new underwater environment, a new Ascendancy class for the Scion called the Luminary, and revamps to Abyss and Legion content. The update also features new crafting mechanics and significant changes to gem socketing.
After 13 years, Path of Exile's devs are finally ready to ditch one of its most iconic and frustrating mechanics
Grinding Gear Games is removing the iconic and often frustrating socket color system from Path of Exile in its upcoming expansion, Curse of the Allflame. This change aims to reduce friction for new players and make the game more accessible. The expansion, launching July 24, will also rework Abyss and Legion activities.
Path of Exile 3.29 just shattered a fundamental rule, and I'm not talking about its new underwater combat
Path of Exile 3.29, Curse of the Allflame, introduces significant changes including the removal of socket color restrictions, a new underwater league mechanic, and the permanent addition of Mercenaries. Game Director Mark Roberts announced the removal of socket colors, a fundamental rule since the game's inception, aiming to improve build experimentation and gear upgrades. The new league features underwater exploration with air pockets, a Voyage system for crafting expeditions, and a new crafting currency called Ducats. The update also includes reworks for Abyss and Legion mechanics, and the introduction of Atlas Anomalies.
Path of Exile 2 director says players exploiting system to become in-game millionaires 'ruined Christmas for me' and joked that he's 'lost all sympathy' for everyone who took advantage of it
Path of Exile 2 co-director Mark Roberts expressed frustration over a game-breaking exploit involving the new 'temple' system that allowed players to become in-game millionaires, forcing the development team to interrupt their holiday break for emergency patches. Roberts stated that the exploit "ruined Christmas" and that he has "lost all sympathy" for those who exploited the system, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing an early access game economy.
Path of Exile 2 director says Temple farming ruined his Christmas and "destroyed" him, and he loves "obliterating" it: "I don't care if it's a mid-season nerf"
Path of Exile 2 co-game director Mark Roberts expressed his strong negative feelings about the Vaal Temple farming exploit, stating it ruined his Christmas and left him traumatized. He is gleeful about recent nerfs to the exploit, even if they are mid-season, and has lost sympathy for players who continue to use it. Despite his strong stance, he clarified he doesn't want to make the game bad but acknowledges the lasting impact of the exploit.
A single crab has the third highest player kill count in Path of Exile 2
A bug in Path of Exile 2's early access caused a specific crab enemy to kill players instantly with a volley of projectiles, leading to it becoming the third deadliest monster in the game. Lead developers Jonathan Rogers and Mark Roberts discussed the issue with streamer Zizaran, explaining it was a typo that caused the bug and highlighting the challenges of balancing difficulty in early access titles.
Path of Exile 2 dev isn't afraid of nerfs: "I've lost all sympathy for that bloody Temple"
Grinding Gear Games directors Jonathan Rogers and Mark Roberts are prepared to nerf exploitable mechanics in Path of Exile 2, particularly the notorious Vaal Temple. They express frustration with players repeatedly breaking the game's economy through unintended Temple farming methods, leading to the implementation of new economy tracking tools. The developers aim to ensure a balanced and engaging experience for all players, discouraging reliance on single, overpowered strategies.
Path of Exile 2 is about to get more generous, but it almost went the opposite way: "This is going to sound ultra dumb"
Grinding Gear Games is increasing the drop rate of Divine Orbs in Path of Exile 2's upcoming 'Return of the Ancients' update. Game Directors Jonathan Rogers and Mark Roberts explained that the change aims to make the currency less comparable to previous leagues, where specific strategies led to extremely high Divine Orb counts. The developers humorously considered removing Divines entirely before opting for a more common drop rate.
Path of Exile 2's new boss-taming summoner class breaks ARPG minions like never before
Path of Exile 2's upcoming Return of the Ancients update introduces the Spirit Walker Ascendancy, allowing players to tame and command powerful bosses as minions. Developer Grinding Gear Games detailed how this new class interacts with the game's existing Wisp system and offers unique playstyles, including a 'zookeeper build' that removes minion caps.
Path of Exile 2’s May 29 Return of the Ancients update emphasizes endgame enhancements and endings
Path of Exile 2's upcoming 'Return of the Ancients' update, launching May 29th, 2026, will significantly enhance the endgame with new storylines, bosses, areas, and crafting systems. A major addition is the implementation of an actual ending to the endgame, providing a sense of completion for players. The update also introduces the 'Runes of Aldur' league, focusing on a new runesmithing mechanic and ocean exploration.
Path of Exile 2's complete endgame redesign is great for everyone, especially newcomers
Grinding Gear Games has detailed a complete redesign of Path of Exile 2's endgame, focusing on structure, player control, and approachability for newcomers. The 'Return of the Ancients' update introduces new league mechanics like Runes of Aldur, an overhauled Atlas passive tree, and integrated build guides. Game Director Jonathan Rogers stated that this patch is intended to be the last major update before the game's 1.0 launch, which is targeted for 2026.
Path of Exile director Mark Roberts isn't afraid to change "very ancient and often low-quality content"
Grinding Gear Games director Mark Roberts discussed upcoming changes to Path of Exile, specifically the Mirage update which will integrate Keepers into the core game and replace the old Breach league. Roberts stated the studio is not afraid to update or replace older, lower-quality content.
Path of Exile's new Mirages "will certainly" boost ground loot, but GGG is "aware of the problem" in the long term
Grinding Gear Games' Mark Roberts and Octavian discussed how the new Mirages in Path of Exile will impact ground loot, acknowledging the ongoing debate and potential long-term issues. The developers aim to balance the loot system with upcoming changes.