Path Of Exile Closed Beta Microtransactions Grant Beta Keys

New Zealand based Grinding Gear Games have announced the opening up of microtransactions for upcoming free to play ARPG, Path Of Exile (PoE). These microtransactions are aimed at funding the "development and continued expansion Path Of Exile," reads a statement on the official site.

Those not currently participating in the closed beta can buy one of several packs, ranging in price from $10 to $1000, that provide access to the beta and other assorted bonuses.

The microtransaction option has been made available following a weekend of open beta testing which saw nearly 47000 players log on and play PoE. In an email sent out to all those signed up to the official site, Grinding Gear's Chris Wilson claimed the optional buy in to the closed beta was in response to "hundreds of requests from people wanting to buy closed beta access so that they could continue playing".

For those curious as to the level of microtransactions available in the game, this statement is featured on the microtransaction page:

"Path of Exile is completely free to download and play. We never intend to charge for content or access to the released game, but we are happy to offer early Beta access for those who support us during this important time. In order to fund the development and continued expansion of Path of Exile, we offer a range of ethical microtransactions that allow you to distinguish yourself in the world of Wraeclast without receiving any gameplay advantage. We are completely opposed to the concept of “pay2win”".


Author's View

The fact that the microtransactions are all either cosmetic or 'utility', such as extra character slots or loot slots in the stash, is very reassuring. As is the statement of opposing "pay to win" schemes. I have been keeping an eye on this game for a little while now and they seem to be promising that blend of aesthetic, atmosphere and mechanics that made the Diablo series, for instance, so beloved of gamers.

We will certainly be featuring more coverage of Path Of Exile in the future. You can follow @VGI_Gaming on Twitter or like Video Games Interactive on Facebook to stay up to date with all our posts.

Have any opinions on opening closed beta to those who contribute to the development in some way? Or is there anything you would like us to cover? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!