Feedback on the Potential Implementation of an Auction House in Path of Exile 2

Dear Grinding Gear Games Team,

First and foremost, thank you for the incredible work you’ve done with Path of Exile and for your continued efforts in developing Path of Exile 2. The game’s complexity and depth are unmatched, and your dedication to the ARPG community is truly appreciated.

I wanted to share some thoughts regarding the current trade system and propose an idea for an Auction House (AH) or a similar system in Path of Exile 2. While I understand and respect GGG’s design philosophy, which emphasizes the rewarding nature of self-found progression and deliberate trade interactions, I believe an AH system could significantly enhance the player experience without undermining these core principles.

Here are a few reasons why I think an Auction House (or a similar system) could be a valuable addition:

Player Experience and Accessibility:

The current trading system, which relies on third-party tools and direct player interactions, can be cumbersome, especially for newer players. Simplifying this process through an in-game AH would make trading more accessible while keeping the game’s learning curve manageable.

Precedent: Currency Exchange System:

The existing Currency Exchange system is an excellent example of how trade can be streamlined without compromising the game’s economy or integrity. Expanding this concept to include other item categories (e.g., maps, unique items) could similarly improve the quality of life for all players.

Addressing Concerns About Economy Speed:

Introducing mechanisms like listing fees, limited daily listings, or delayed transactions could prevent the economy from becoming overly fast-paced. These safeguards can maintain a balance between convenience and game integrity.

Increased Player Retention:

Many players, particularly those new to ARPGs, find the trading process intimidating. An AH could make the game more welcoming and improve retention, ensuring a steady influx of players to sustain the community.

Bot and Abuse Prevention:

While there may be concerns about botting and abuse, these risks exist in the current system as well. Advanced filters, reporting systems, and bot detection algorithms could mitigate these issues.

Additionally, I believe the current Early Access phase of Path of Exile 2 offers a unique opportunity to test such a system in a controlled environment. Implementing a prototype of an Auction House during EA would allow the community to provide valuable feedback and help GGG refine or adjust the system before the game’s full release. This phase is perfect for experimentation, as it provides a sandbox to evaluate new ideas without long-term commitment.

Ultimately, an Auction House doesn’t have to completely automate trade or devalue self-found progression. Instead, it can complement the existing system by reducing unnecessary friction and allowing players to spend more time engaging with the game’s core mechanics rather than navigating trade tools.

I hope this feedback is helpful as you continue to develop and refine Path of Exile 2. Thank you for taking the time to consider these suggestions. I truly believe that incorporating a thoughtful, well-designed AH system could elevate the game’s experience to new heights.