An open letter to everyone participating in EA - Feedback Etiquette!

Here we are, diving into the next chapter from GGG, a game proudly bearing the name of its very successful predecessor, Path of Exile. It’s safe to say that a significant portion - probably 90% - of the active community here has roots in PoE1. These players, like me, want to be part of this next step in the evolution of the ARPG genre. I believe GGG is deeply appreciative of this overwhelming participation. After all, we’re not just playing; we’ve also chosen to support them financially by purchasing EA, providing GGG with the resources to keep development moving forward, even though Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play.

However, as with the launch of any new game - especially one in EA - there are bound to be challenges and consequences. The internet, with its power to instantly connect us and amplify our voices, is a double-edged sword. It allows us to share feedback from anywhere, at any time, under the veil of anonymity. While this anonymity offers certain advantages, it also carries significant responsibilities: to use this power thoughtfully and not abuse it.

It’s essential to remember that real people - dedicated developers who’ve poured years of their lives into PoE2 - are reading the words we post here. Some players provide honest, constructive feedback, often with carefully considered suggestions to improve the game. But others... don’t. They vent frustration, insult the developers, or resort to name-calling, often without offering any useful feedback at all. These posts aren’t about improvement; they’re an outlet for anger, because the game is not (yet) what they expected it to be.

Unfortunately, this negativity doesn’t just vanish into the ether. It affects everyone who reads it, including other players. Personally, I’ve noticed that the more I encounter provocative or non-constructive posts, the harder it becomes to remain rational - even for me. This kind of environment can quickly spiral into something unhealthy, detracting from the meaningful discussions we could and should be having in order to help this game reaching its full potential.

GGG needs us. They wouldn’t have launched PoE2 in EA if they didn’t care about their players’ feedback. But for them to succeed in shaping the game into something that aligns with their vision - while incorporating our input - we, as players, need to step up. That starts with how we engage: with each other and with GGG.

To those reading this: how can we truly help GGG? I think the first step is refusing to be drawn into unnecessary conflict. If someone posts provocatively or without constructive intent, we should resist the urge to respond emotionally. Sometimes, the best course of action is no reaction at all. These provocative topics will vanish fast, if no one reacts. Instead, focus on meaningful conversations, even if others aren’t doing the same.

GGG is giving us the chance to shape PoE2 into something extraordinary. Let’s honor that opportunity by fostering a community that’s thoughtful, constructive, and supportive - not just for GGG but for each other. Together, we can make this journey better for everyone involved.

And I'll be honest enough: I wrote a text and ChatGPT gave it an overhaul. But the text definitely delivers what I'm trying to say. I hope you don't mind.

You're right, but here's the problem. If you don't confront the stupid, it becomes a giant echo chamber which serves the opposite of what your goals are.

This only works if people actually provide feedback (not rants, not bitching, not doomsaying). You can already see, the few posts that actually give good feedback die because people are more interested in bitching that the game isn't POE1.

das alotta worddds '¬'

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Valsacar#0268 wrote:

You're right, but here's the problem. If you don't confront the stupid, it becomes a giant echo chamber which serves the opposite of what your goals are.

This only works if people actually provide feedback (not rants, not bitching, not doomsaying). You can already see, the few posts that actually give good feedback die because people are more interested in bitching that the game isn't POE1.

From my perspective, these threads that have like over 20 pages are a result of people trying to "fight" the players that just want to rant. And as soon as you try to confront them, you give them room to rant more.

In my early days, there was a saying: Don't feed the troll. And I think that happens here quite too often, haha.

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AceNightfire#0980 wrote:

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Valsacar#0268 wrote:

You're right, but here's the problem. If you don't confront the stupid, it becomes a giant echo chamber which serves the opposite of what your goals are.

This only works if people actually provide feedback (not rants, not bitching, not doomsaying). You can already see, the few posts that actually give good feedback die because people are more interested in bitching that the game isn't POE1.

From my perspective, these threads that have like over 20 pages are a result of people trying to "fight" the players that just want to rant. And as soon as you try to confront them, you give them room to rant more.

In my early days, there was a saying: Don't feed the troll. And I think that happens here quite too often, haha.

I admit I’m guilty of it as well. My belief is the game is in a really good spot and needs constructive feedback to make adjustments thus making the game even better.

I will focus on not feeding into emotional “game is trash” posts anymore.

Also +1 for the topic.

I honestly believe the biggest source of the problem is GGG. I think GGG wants to please everyone and thus may not have any easy time pleasing anyone.

To the best of my knowledge GGG hasn't [clearly] stated who the game is for and more importantly --- who the game is NOT for.


Is the game supposed to blend a Souls-like && ARPG?? Early game felt that way BUT it felt less & less that way the longer I played.

Is the game supposed to appeal to Hardcore D1, D2, PoE1 Ruthless players where scarcity is the driving factor of the difficulty?? Once again some parts of the game feel that way and other's definitely don't.


Is the game supposed to appeal to the PoE1 player that wants to Zoom around the map, blow stuff up, and gather loot? Early to mid game feels like a "no" but some end-game builds certainly look that way.


Is the game supposed to appeal to the casual that may spend 10 hours a week or less BUT still want to see meaningful progression of their character??


I don't believe PoE2 can be the CLASSIC game it could be if it tries to appeal to everyone [and thus appeals to no one]. I think GGG should state their vision, who the game is for and who the game is NOT for, and then make the best game they can bounded only by their vision & target audience.


YMMV.

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AceNightfire#0980 wrote:

GGG is giving us the chance to shape PoE2 into something extraordinary. Let’s honor that opportunity by fostering a community that’s thoughtful, constructive, and supportive - not just for GGG but for each other. Together, we can make this journey better for everyone involved.

GGG stopped interacting with the community over 2 years ago. Arguably even over 7 years ago. They literally gave up. You're on a one-sided journey.

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KingAlamar#4071 wrote:

I honestly believe the biggest source of the problem is GGG. I think GGG wants to please everyone and thus may not have any easy time pleasing anyone.

To the best of my knowledge GGG hasn't [clearly] stated who the game is for and more importantly --- who the game is NOT for.


Is the game supposed to blend a Souls-like && ARPG?? Early game felt that way BUT it felt less & less that way the longer I played.

Is the game supposed to appeal to Hardcore D1, D2, PoE1 Ruthless players where scarcity is the driving factor of the difficulty?? Once again some parts of the game feel that way and other's definitely don't.


Is the game supposed to appeal to the PoE1 player that wants to Zoom around the map, blow stuff up, and gather loot? Early to mid game feels like a "no" but some end-game builds certainly look that way.


Is the game supposed to appeal to the casual that may spend 10 hours a week or less BUT still want to see meaningful progression of their character??


I don't believe PoE2 can be the CLASSIC game it could be if it tries to appeal to everyone [and thus appeals to no one]. I think GGG should state their vision, who the game is for and who the game is NOT for, and then make the best game they can bounded only by their vision & target audience.


YMMV.

It was pretty clear that they said this game will be different from POE1 and harder.

Well, lets not turn this into a discussion of what PoE2 should be or what it not should be. Please remember the topic. This is about how to give proper feedback.

I think people need to remember the following:

- it's version 0.1, not 1.0.
- it's early access
- the game has been out for 3 weeks
- more than half of the skills are missing, limiting build diversity
- there's only a couple of uniques, more will be added
- we're still missing half the characters
- we're still missing the 3rd ascendancy class
- balancing takes time
- skills can be tweaked

Feedback is important and can be negative for sure, but don't act like this game is already dead on arrival. Most people are enjoying it. I think it's the best game I've ever played, bearing in mind that it needs balancing and tweaking.