The trading system in Path of Exile 2 has sparked intense discussions within the community, reflecting broader debates about how trading should function in action RPGs. Here's an exploration of the current state, the underlying philosophies, and the potential pathways forward.
The Importance of Trade in Path of Exile 2
Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has long emphasized that items are central to the Path of Exile experience. In their manifesto, they articulate that gear progression is the primary method for players to strengthen their characters. However, this philosophy comes with a caveat regarding how trade should be managed:
Trade as a Reward: Items serve not only as gear, but also as rewards for gameplay, with trading being a core mechanic for interaction and progression.
Philosophy on Ease of Trade: GGG believes in maintaining some friction in trading to ensure that player progression isn't too easy, while maintaining the challenge and value of items.
Current Trade System Issues
Despite recognizing trade's importance, several issues plague the current system:
Accessibility: Console players, in particular, face challenges due to the lack of an in-game market board, making trade more cumbersome compared to PC players.
Bots, Scammers, and Price Fixers: The open system invites abuse from automated systems and individuals looking to manipulate the market, leading to price fixing where items are listed at artificially low prices to control market perception.
Security Concerns: The reliance on third-party applications for trading on PC raises significant security risks, as these software could potentially misuse player data.
Proposed Solutions and Developer Insights
GGG has been slowly addressing these issues, in particular with steps such as
Currency Exchange: The introduction of a better currency exchange system in both Path of Exile 1 and 2 aims to solve some of the trading woes by providing a more structured way to convert currencies, reducing scam opportunities.
Future Considerations: Jonathan Rogers, in interviews, has hinted at exploring more accessible trading options once the core issues like currency exchange are addressed. However, there's a clear intent to maintain some form of trade friction to preserve the game's challenge and economy.
Community Feedback and Suggestions
The community's feedback largely revolves around:
Platform Parity: A call for equal access to trading features across platforms, possibly by integrating trading more directly into the game client.
Instant Buyouts: Many suggest the introduction of instant buyouts to streamline trading and reduce the need for direct player interaction, thus minimising the opportunity for cheating.
Designing for Fairness: There's a push for a system design that balances ease of trade with the game's economic integrity, potentially through mechanisms like gold fees or item-specific trade restrictions.
Thanks for Reading
While immediate overhauls may not be possible in Early Access, the ongoing dialogue between GGG and the community indicates a commitment to refining the trading system.
Short-term: Ensuring that all players, regardless of platform, have an equitable trading experience.
Long-term: Implementing changes such as instant buyouts or better search capabilities, while maintaining the game's core philosophy of item value and player interaction.
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