Path of Exile used to think ’live service was entirely upside, in all cases’, but 10 years of experience and games like Baldur’s Gate 3 have shown him another way
Chris Wilson, co-creator of Path of Exile, has reassessed his long-held views on live service gaming after a decade of industry experience. Once believing the model was universally positive, Wilson now recognizes the approach as far more nuanced and complex than he initially thought.
Wilson’s evolving perspective has been shaped by years of developing Path of Exile as a live service title, as well as observing industry trends and player responses to increasingly aggressive monetization practices. The article highlights how games like Baldur’s Gate 3 have demonstrated the viability and player appeal of traditional single-player, complete experiences, contrasting with the live service model’s ongoing evolution.
The piece reflects on how live service was genuinely perceived as gaming’s future during its earlier adoption phase, offering continuous content and engagement opportunities. However, monetization practices have since become contentious, with many players expressing frustration with aggressive or predatory monetization schemes. This has driven renewed interest in non-service-based gaming experiences that offer closure and completion without ongoing spending pressures.
Wilson’s acknowledgment represents a broader industry reckoning with the live service model’s promises versus its execution in practice.