Eleventh Hour Games (EHG), the creative minds behind the widely acclaimed action RPG Last Epoch, have unveiled significant adjustments set to impact the gameplay experience following an extensive survey conducted among players. This move comes as a response to the emergence of overpowered (OP) character builds caused by glitches within the game.
In a recent announcement, EHG disclosed a series of alterations poised to address the imbalance triggered by certain character builds, which have become disproportionately potent due to existing bugs within the game’s framework. The decision to undertake these adjustments follows a meticulous analysis of player feedback garnered through a comprehensive survey.
The company’s proactive approach aims to rectify the prevalent issue of OP builds by implementing corrective measures sooner than the customary cycle would permit, thereby ensuring a more balanced gaming environment. EHG has conscientiously notified players in advance about the impending alterations, thereby fostering transparency and maintaining player engagement.
The pivotal outcomes of the survey, as outlined in an official blog post by EHG, elucidate the community’s stance on the matter. A notable 55.5% majority of respondents expressed a strong consensus in favour of promptly addressing highly OP builds resulting from in-game bugs during the ongoing season. Consequently, the forthcoming adjustments are slated to impact builds such as Profane Veil’s Vampiric Pool and Sanguine Runestone.
Moreover, the survey revealed a unanimous preference among players to receive notifications regarding upcoming nerfs via the public forum, with a resounding 73.2% of respondents strongly endorsing this mode of communication.
In a nuanced approach towards mildly overpowered builds, EHG has pledged to exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis, taking into account community feedback in determining the appropriate course of action. This strategic decision underscores the developer’s commitment to fostering a symbiotic relationship with its player base.
In a separate facet of the survey results, EHG addressed the issue of OP builds unrelated to bugs. A noteworthy 34% majority advocated for retaining highly OP builds, while 52.5% concurred with maintaining mildly OP builds. Additionally, the developer clarified its stance on leaderboard resets, opting against any reset to compensate for bug-driven highly OP builds. Instead, the game will display pertinent information regarding the timing of leaderboard entries and the corresponding patches in use, eschewing any potential stigmatisation of players utilising such builds.
Implications for the ARPG Landscape
The ramifications of these survey results are profound, signalling a paradigm shift in how Last Epoch addresses gameplay balance. The decision to intervene mid-season to rectify bug-induced OP builds represents a departure from conventional industry practices and underscores EHG’s unwavering commitment to delivering an optimal gaming experience.
Furthermore, the developer’s judicious approach towards leaderboard transparency reflects a commendable effort to foster inclusivity and mitigate potential stigmatisation within the gaming community. By refraining from singling out players for utilising bug-driven builds, Last Epoch sets a precedent for equitable treatment and accountability.
As Last Epoch continues to ascend in popularity since its public release, boasting an impressive player base and favourable reviews on platforms such as Steam, its trajectory within the competitive ARPG landscape becomes increasingly compelling. With competitors such as Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2 looming on the horizon, the strategic manoeuvres undertaken by EHG to solicit and heed player feedback will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the game’s future trajectory.
In conclusion, the synergy between developer responsiveness and community engagement exemplified by Last Epoch serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the ARPG genre and underscores the transformative potential of collaborative game development. As the gaming landscape evolves, Last Epoch stands poised to carve out a distinctive niche, propelled by a shared commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
