Latest news with #PathofExile
NZ Herald
28-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Path of Exile maker Grinding Gear Games reports $105m revenue, new CEO
Grinding Gear Games was founded in 2006 by Westies Chris Wilson and Jonathan Rogers and Erik Olofsson, a Swede they met while playing online. Grinding Gear Games' co-founders (from left) Chris Wilson, Jonathan Rogers and Eric Olofsson, pictured near their Henderson office in 2014. Photo / Richard Robinson They used crowdfunding to grow Path of Exile (still the firm's only title). In 2018, Tencent bought an 88% stake in Grinding Gear Games for what the Overseas Investment Office said was a 'consideration that exceeds $100 million'. Over the intervening years, Tencent has gradually bought up the founders' remaining stakes. It now has 100% ownership. Throughout, Wilson remained as chief executive and held a seat on the board as well. Co-founder leaves for new project In January, Path of Exile fans noted his absence from the game. In February, he resigned as a director, with Rogers taking his place on the board and also taking over the reins as CEO. Wilson was the second of the three founders to depart. Olofsson left Grinding Gear in 2022 to found Erik's Curiosa, maker of an old-school offline game, Sorcery: Contested Realm. Wilson told the Herald he's founded a start-up, Light Pattern – a new game studio that's recruiting staff. He would only offer: 'I am intentionally not talking about my new project for a few years, so that I don't set any expectations.' Staff numbers jump, Exile 2 close Meanwhile, Rogers was happy to give an update on Grinding Gear's progress in its new financial year. 'In December, we released our sequel, Path of Exile 2, into Early Access and reached the number one position on the global top sellers list of Steam [online gaming distribution platform] with over 850,000 players online, more than doubling the previous PoE1 [Path of Exile] record,' he said. 'We have over 240 staff in New Zealand now and are continuing to hire – although we are quickly running out of office space. 'Contrast that to April 2024, when we only had 180 staff in-house.' READ MORE: Video game sector jobs up 20.5% with tax rebate, but half of funds unclaimed When Tencent took control in 2018, Grinding Gear had 114 staff at its long-time headquarters – a nondescript office building near the Henderson Pak'nSave (a contrast to another Tencent investment – RocketWerkz with its spacecraft-themed digs at the top of the new PwC Tower on Auckland's waterfront). 'Our major goal now is to finish Path of Exile 2 and get it out of Early Access and into full release. We don't have an announced timeline for that, but we will continue to release content for it every four months until it's done,' Rogers said. 'In the meantime, Path of Exile 1 continues to get content updates every four months as well.' The rising Auckland staff numbers will be music to the ears of the Government and NZ on Air – or at least a relief that a new 20% rebate is working (an NZ on Air report had total game sector employment rising by a fifth to 1300 in the year to March). Wilson was one of the industry leaders who said they they would be forced to set up shop in Australia in order to remain competitive in the talent war, if New Zealand did not match the tax rebates being offered cross the Tasman. Grinding Gear was a recipient in the latest NZ on Air funding round. (The scheme offers 20c back on every $1 spent on a video game, up to a $3m cap.) Postscript: A Musk moment Path of Exile has long been a favourite with the fantasy crowd, but also had a mainstream media moment in January when Elon Musk claimed to be one of the game's top players. The Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder used X, formerly Twitter to highlight his Path of Exile skills as part of a social media showcase designed to reveal his 'world-class' skills playing various titles, which he had bragged about on Joe Rogan's podcast. But as the New York Times reported on January 26: 'The community of gamers he's long tried to impress turned against him. It started with a livestream of Mr Musk playing Path of Exile, a popular action role-playing game known for its difficulty. Despite his account showing he had earned one of the game's highest levels, his game play looked like that of an amateur." Internet sleuths made YouTube videos and took to Reddit threads to dissect his game play, exposing mistakes a novice would make, the Times said. There were allegations that Musk was guilty of 'boosting' – hiring a skilled gamer on the sly to log on to his account and build it up. There was circumstantial evidence for the frowned-up practice (and it does go to the heart of the gaming ethos; the 'Grinding' in Grinding Gear Games is a nod to what fantasy players called 'the grind' of building a character). 'Gamers pointed out that Musk's Path of Exile account has been active at times he couldn't have been playing himself, like on Monday [January 20] morning, while he was at Trump's inauguration,' the Times reported. Musk was accused of the same jape with another popular game, Diablo IV, for the same reasons. Wilson has maintained a diplomatic silence. Ninja Kiwi takes profit, revenue hits Ninja Kiwi was founded by Kumeū brothers Chris Harris (left) and Stephen Harris. Meanwhile, Ninja Kiwi has reported a $28.8m net profit on $77.6m revenue for the year to December 31, 2024 – down from its $40.9m profit on $89.5m revenue for 2023. The result was net of a $32.0m dividend paid to its Scandinavian owner, down from $42m last year. The mobile gaming specialist was bought by Sweden's Modern Times Group (MTG) in a 2021 deal worth kr1.2 billion (Swedish krona, $203m) – with kr406m ($68m) of that total being contingent on performance targets. In 2020, the Technology Investment Network estimated Ninja Kiwi's revenue at $50m for its TIN200 list of our largest tech exporters. Ninja Kiwi was founded by Kumeū brothers Chris and Stephen Harris. It first released its hit game Bloons in 2007. The founders could not be immediately reached for comment. The game had some six million active users at the time of the company's Swedish takeover. LinkedIn Insights says Ninja Kiwi has 18 staff currently, including seven in Auckland (the rest are in the UK – primarily Scotland, where it bought another small gaming studio ahead of the MTG acquisition), from 16 in 2023. Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald's business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.
Time Business News
15-06-2025
- Time Business News
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Using Currency in PoE 2
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) is the much-anticipated sequel to the popular action RPG, Path of Exile. With its deep gameplay mechanics, complex itemization, and dynamic economy, the game brings a new level of challenge and excitement to both new and veteran players. One of the most intricate and essential aspects of PoE 2 is its currency system. Unlike traditional RPGs, PoE 2 doesn't use gold or coins. Instead, it features a barter-based system where different orbs and scrolls serve as both currency and crafting tools. While this adds a unique twist, it also opens the door to potential errors that can cost players valuable resources and time. In this article, we'll explore the top mistakes to avoid when using currency in PoE 2 — so you can maximize efficiency and avoid costly missteps. One of the most common rookie mistakes is spending high-value currency items on gear that you will soon replace. In the early game, it's tempting to use Chaos Orbs, Exalted Orbs, or Orbs of Alchemy on rare items to gain an edge. However, most gear gets quickly outdated as you level up. Tip: Save your valuable currency for endgame crafting or trading. Use basic items like Orbs of Transmutation or Orb of Chance to enhance gear while leveling. PoE 2's crafting system is extremely powerful but can also be overwhelming. If you don't understand the functions of various orbs, you might use them incorrectly. For example, using an Orb of Alteration on a high-quality rare item might strip away a valuable modifier. Tip: Take the time to study crafting recipes and modifiers. Sites like CraftofExile or official wikis provide detailed breakdowns of how orbs interact with gear. Chaos Orbs are the bread-and-butter of currency in PoE 2. They reroll all modifiers on a rare item, which makes them useful — but also unpredictable. Many players overuse them trying to hit the 'perfect' set of affixes and end up wasting dozens of orbs for minimal gain. Tip: Instead of gambling with Chaos Orbs, consider using more targeted methods such as Essences, Fossils, or even Harvest crafting to refine your gear intelligently. Each currency item in PoE 2 has its own trade value that fluctuates based on the current economy. One of the biggest mistakes players make is trading orbs without checking their current market rate. You could be overpaying or underselling valuable items. Tip: Use community trade platforms or third-party tools like Poe Ninja or Trade Macro to check current rates before making a deal. Managing your inventory is crucial when dealing with multiple currency items. If your stash is disorganized or you don't have specialized tabs for currency, you'll waste time and possibly lose track of your resources. Tip: Invest in a Currency Tab or Premium Stash Tab if possible. These make sorting and accessing your orbs much more efficient. Another common error is using currency items impulsively. Whether you're crafting, upgrading, or rerolling gear, doing it without a plan often leads to waste. Tip: Set a clear objective before using currency. Are you trying to craft a high-resistance armor? A high-damage weapon? Plan your approach and only use currency when it aligns with your goal. Unfortunately, PoE 2's player-to-player trade system is susceptible to scams, especially involving high-value orbs. If you're not careful during a trade, you could lose valuable currency. Tip: Always double-check trade windows, and avoid suspicious offers that seem 'too good to be true.' Use reputable platforms or consider buying from trusted vendors when needed. Timing the market in PoE 2 is an art. If you buy or sell currency at the wrong time, you might be losing out on potential profits. Tip: Track market trends and act strategically. For example, prices for Exalted Orbs might spike early in a league and drop later. Learn when to hold or trade based on these patterns. Trying to trade through in-game chat is chaotic and unreliable. Many players miss out on better deals because they don't use third-party trade tools or marketplaces. Tip: Use online marketplaces to your advantage. If you're looking to enhance your gameplay and streamline your experience, you can buy poe 2 orbs from trusted sources that offer fast and secure transactions. PoE 2 will continue the tradition of introducing league mechanics with special currencies or crafting materials. If you ignore these mechanics, you might be missing valuable opportunities. Tip: Stay updated with league guides and understand how the temporary mechanics affect currency farming or crafting. Some leagues introduce powerful currency-exclusive recipes or items. Mastering currency usage in PoE 2 is essential for crafting powerful gear, trading effectively, and progressing through the game's challenging content. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you countless hours of grinding and frustration. Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated grinder, a smarter approach to currency will always give you an edge. Remember: knowledge is more powerful than orbs. The more you understand how the currency system works, the better you'll do in both crafting and trading. And when needed, don't hesitate to buy poe 2 orbs from reliable platforms to give your gameplay a boost without the grind. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Musk Recalls 'Intense' 3 Months At DOGE: Trump's Late-Night Ice Cream Invites, Lincoln Bedroom Sleepovers And Diablo
When Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk joined President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, he vowed to cut up to $2 trillion in costs and made waves by announcing thousands of layoffs and major contract cancellations. But as he remained in the spotlight with his high-profile role at the White House, Tesla began to struggle. Tesla deliveries in the first quarter plunged 13%, while the EV maker saw its market share in Europe fall to under 9% in the three-month period from about 18% last year. It suffered a double-digit market sales decline in China in March amid tough competition. Tesla shares are down 12% so far this year. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Amid increasing investor concerns and business headwinds at Tesla, Musk announced in the Q1 2025 earnings call that his time at DOGE will see a "significant" drop starting in May. Talking to a group of reporters at the White House last month, Musk said his first three months at DOGE were "intense" and he now plans to return to "primarily running my companies." Musk spoke candidly during the conversation, recalling his early days working in his government role. Musk said he stayed in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom "more than once" at Trump's invitation when he arrived late in Washington. 'He was like: 'Where are you staying?' I was like: 'I don't know. At a friend's house, I guess'' Musk said. "And then he was like: 'Why don't you stay here?' I was like: 'Sure.'' Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — During his talk with reporters, Musk referred to Trump as a "good friend" and recalled the president's late-night ice cream invitations. "He'll actually call late at night and say, 'Oh, by the way, make sure you get some ice cream from the kitchen,'" Musk said, noting that Trump would jokingly add, "Don't tell RFK," referring to US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Musk said that he was assigned a "comically tiny" office on the top floor of the West Wing, with no view and a "glimmer" of sunlight. 'It has a view of nothing,' he said. 'It has a window but all you see is the HVAC unit, which is fine. It makes it harder to shoot me, I guess. There's not a good line of sight.'Musk said he had a large monitor connected to his computer on which he'd occasionally play two of his favorite video games — Diablo and Path of Exile. Musk said he was confident that DOGE could run without his daily involvement. "It's a way of life, like Buddhism," Musk said when asked who'd lead DOGE after him. "You wouldn't ask who would lead Buddhism." Read Next: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Elon Musk Recalls 'Intense' 3 Months At DOGE: Trump's Late-Night Ice Cream Invites, Lincoln Bedroom Sleepovers And Diablo originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Path of Exile 2 patch 0.2.0h expected release date – when we get spawning buffs
More changes are coming to Path of Exile 2 in a new update that is expected to arrive at some point this week. Path of Exile 2 is set to deliver a number of changes in a new patch, but the game's team is playing a little coy with its release date. Just as sure as it will do so with a name that's hard to keep track of, Path of Exile will always come through with more for fans in a new update. Path of Exile 2, perhaps the darkest and most viable competitor for Diablo 4 out there in the gaming world, has been grinding away to make sure that players have plenty to do, especially after the recent 0.2.0g update offered an improvement to loot drops and a hugely helpful change to the amount of Corrupted Nexuses that players had to collect before they could earn Atlas Passive Points. There's more to come, though, as the game has shared its plans for the incoming 0.2.0h patch, which is set to debut the arrival of Private Leagues for players to engage in, new Quick-Use buttons for Strongboxes and Essences, and a number of other quality-of-life changes that will no doubt make the game a smoother experience for seasoned and new players alike. Everyone wins in the 0.2.0h update, especially as Shrines will now appear more often, as will the Spirit of the Spring Hare and Spirit of the Fox Azmerian Wisps. All in all, it's hard to sniff at an update like this, and Path of Exile 2 players are bound to be happier not to have to wrestle so much with its more uncommon occurrences - but its release date is a little more in the air, as Grinding Gear Games has refused to offer a concrete Path of Exile 2 patch 0.2.0h release date. Luckily, though, there's a pretty good means of deciphering when we can expect the new update to touch down. Here's what you need to know about the Path of Exile 2 patch 0.2.0h expected release date. Path of Exile 2 patch 0.2.0h expected release date The Path of Exile 2 patch 0.2.0h expected release date is Friday, May 16 at 12pm PDT / 3pm EDT / 8pm BST. We can deduce this because the blog post that most recently shared Grinding Gear Games' plans for the update announced that 'we're hoping to deploy this by the end of the week,' and many previous updates have landed on Fridays at this time, like update 0.2.0 and the initial Path of Exile 2 release time. The one outlier in these cases is the 0.1.1 update, which launched a little early, so maybe we'll be lucky enough to see the update land at this time. Of course, this is still subject to change, but the Path of Exile patch 0.2.0h expected release date is still a pretty good estimate as to when we can expect these new changes. The game is set for a tidy little refresh that'll help it feel a little more streamlined, and it's going to feel a lot better for it.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tesla CEO Elon Musk says like Buddhism, DOGE is a…
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday, May 1 that he is in the process of stepping back from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency ( DOGE ). In an hour-long interaction with reporters at the White House , Musk said that things are 'getting more of a rhythm'. He added 'And so the amount of time that it's necessary for me to spend here is much less, and I can return to primarily running my companies, which do need me.' Elon Musk 'compares' himself with Buddha When asked about his departure from DOGE and the task force's future without him, he said, 'DOGE is a way of life. Like Buddhism ,' adding, 'Is Buddha needed for Buddhism?'. 'Was it not stronger after he passed away?', he asked. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pernas e pés inchados: Experimente isso para ajudar a drenar o fluído do edema aartedoherbalismo Undo DOGE was originally set up to terminate on July 4, 2026. It will now reportedly continue till the end of 2028. Asked about the possibility of extending DOGE's mandate, Musk responded, "I think so," adding, "It's up to the president.' Char Dham Yatra Scam Alert! Save Your Money Sleepover, late night ice creams and more at White House Stating that during the 'intense' three months of the Trump administration , he occasionally slept over at the White House at Trump's invitation. Musk has frequently traveled with Trump in recent months. Sharing an exchange after such travels, Musk said: 'He ( Donald Trump ) was like: 'Where are you staying?' I was like: 'I don't know. At a friend's house, I guess.' And then he was like: 'Why don't you stay here?' I was like: 'Sure.'' He would stay over in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom where he occasionally played video games – Diablo and Path of Exile. The tech billionaire also recalled that Trump once called him late at night and suggested he get ice cream from the White House kitchen. 'He'll actually call late at night and say, 'Oh, by the way, make sure you get some ice cream from the kitchen,'' Musk said, jokingly adding 'Don't tell RFK.' AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
