It's already 2020 in New Zealand! We want to wish our community a Happy New Year and also to take a moment to look back on the year that has just concluded. As is tradition, today we're posting our annual retrospective.
In 2019:
We launched four expansions: Synthesis, Legion, Blight and Conquerors of the Atlas (with the Metamorph challenge league).
We hosted ExileCon, our very first Path of Exile convention with more than 1400 attendees from around the world, including special guests from Blizzard North, community streamers and content creators, and very real Eihnar Frey and Zana.
We announced Path of Exile 2 and the Path of Exile Mobile project!
We partnered with Kakao to launch Path of Exile in South Korea.
We released Path of Exile on PlayStation 4.
We set a record number of players online (224,000 on our server alone).
There were 30% more hours played of Path of Exile on our international realm in 2019 than 2018.
Around 8.7 million players played Path of Exile on our international realm this year.
We expanded from 122 to 147 in-house staff members.
We deployed more than 45 updates/patches to our realm.
We posted 382 news articles - an average of 7.3 posts per week.
We remastered the existing Path of Exile soundtrack and updated it with new music.
We hit a new record in viewer numbers on Twitch.
We introduced a new system that allows you to manage your Master missions.
We praised amazing talents of our players by hosting four community competitions.
We revamped spellcasters, melee combat, Necromancers and dozens of skills.
We reworked the entire Atlas system.
We updated the look of the Lioneye's Watch.
Thank you to everyone who has joined us in 2019, who has returned and who has been with us throughout the year. Thank you to all of you who has travelled all the way to New Zealand to attend ExileCon in November. Path of Exile wouldn't evolve that significantly without your generous support and continued feedback. We love you all! Here's to another big year in Wraeclast!
As the team at Evil Mojo is preparing to celebrate the beginning of a new year in the Realm, we wanted to take some time to touch base with you about what's happening in Paladins!
With the launch of A Tigron's Tale Update right around the corner and 2020 rolling in this Wednesday, there's a busy week ahead in the Realm. Here's a quick look at how it all breaks down:
2019's Champion Celebration
Over the weekend we kicked off our end of the year celebration by looking back at our favorite memories from the release of Imani and Atlas earlier this year, which is set to continue with Raum and Io this week. Don't forget to join us across social media by sharing your favorite moments with our new champions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Trivia Tuesday Returns
We have a special Trivia Tuesday coming at 12:00pm ET sharp this week across social media, so mark your calendars - there are codes to win!
Steam & Xbox Sales
Come Wednesday, the 50% discount on our Champions Pack, Season Pass, and Digital Deluxe edition will come to an end on Steam and Xbox - don't miss out!
Wild West Battle Pass
With A Tigron's Tale releasing next week, be sure to max out your Wild West Battle Pass before it goes away!
The holiday period continues, so we don't have any development news to share today (though we're keen to give you an update regarding our current work and to deploy a major patch as soon as possible!). It's also the end of a year and we're preparing a traditional summary of our annual achievements which we'll publish tomorrow. While you're getting ready to celebrate New Year's Eve, why not take a moment to remember 2019 in Path of Exile with us by watching the video below?
Thank you for being part of this amazing year with us! See you next year, Exiles!
We always enjoy showcasing the artwork of our team in a form of concept art. Today we've selected several images of the cosmetic effects introduced in our recent Polaris Mystery Box.
Click here[www.pathofexile.com] to view more concept art.
As you know, this November we hosted ExileCon, our very first Path of Exile convention, where we announced Path of Exile 2, our recent Conquerors of the Atlas expansion and the experimental Mobile project. In addition, over the ExileCon weekend some of our developers gave various presentations where they shared their experience in different areas of game development. We'll be publishing these talks in our news in the upcoming weeks. Today we're starting with a presentation about world building for Path of Exile 2 from our art director and one of the GGG founders, Erik Olofsson. In this video Erik explains our approach to creating the atmosphere, areas, characters and items of Path of Exile 2, and then answers some questions from ExileCon attendees. Watch the video below:
On behalf of everyone at Grinding Gear Games, we'd like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! As is tradition, we've prepared a gift! To celebrate the conclusion of another great development year, we're offering everyone a free Polaris Mystery Box.
To redeem a free Polaris Mystery Box all you need to do is to open the in-game shop! The Mystery Box will be automatically added to your account. Please note that visiting the shop on the website does not trigger the free box - it must be accessed from inside the game client.
To receive a free Polaris Mystery Box, your account has to have been created prior to today. It's only possible to get one box per account.
The free mystery box will stop being available at 3am on January 8th (PST).
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne will be available for purchase worldwide on Thursday, January 9, 2020, from 17:00 UTC! (Due to time zone differences, the game does not release until January 10 in certain regions.) Pre-orders are still available, so don't miss out on the "Yukumo" layered armor pre-order bonus!
[Major Additions and Changes] Several additions and changes up to the console Title Update Ver. 12.02 have been applied in advance.
- Adjusted the design of how other players are knocked back from explosions caused by the gunlance's Wyrmstake Blast. - Starter-friendly Guardian armor set added. Talk to the Housekeeper in your room to obtain it. The default armor in character creation has also been changed from the Defender α armor set to the Guardian armor set. (Note: The Guardian and Defender α armor sets have the same attributes and only differ by color. You can buy the Defender α armor set at the Armory.) - Point allocation for the Free Meal skill on the Rex Roar Helm β+ has been changed from 2 to 1. - Shining Wyvern Blade was renamed to Platinum Dawn. (This name was changed to match its appearance.)
[Bug Fixes] Several additions and changes up to console Title Update Ver. 12.02 have been applied in advance.
- Fixed an issue where if you talked to the Lynian Researcher under certain conditions the first tutorial for the Surveyor Set wouldn't trigger and you wouldn't be able to obtain the item. - Fixed an issue where upgraded equipment wouldn't be reflected when updating an equipment loadout. - Fixed an issue where decoration info from a decoration-equipped mantle would remain after overwriting an equipment loadout with a loadout with no mantle. - Fixed an issue where decorations would be removed from a mantle when calling up a registered loadout, even though the mantle has decorations equipped. - Fixed an issue where incorrect defense numbers would display when forging or changing equipment while defense-boosting skills are active. - Updated an error message that is displayed when saved data is damaged. - Fixed an issue where quest members would disconnect from quests located in the Elder's Recess. - The following quests will be released with updates from console Title Update Ver. 11.01 and 11.50 already in place: (1) A New Troublemaker in Town (2) Challenge Quest 2: MR Intermediate - Fixed an issue where portions of save data would be erased under certain conditions for users who have cleared the "Paean of Guidance" and "To the Guided, A Paean" quest. - Fixed an issue from console Title Update Ver. 11.01, in which data would not finish loading properly and players would lose control of the game when viewing rankings of certain quests. - Various localization fixes up to console Title Update Ver. 11.50 have been implemented in advance. - Other minor game balance changes and bug fixes have been implemented.
It's Christmas day in New Zealand and we want to take a moment to wish Happy Holidays to the entire Path of Exile community! Whether you're already enjoying your vacation or still busy with finishing your last tasks at work, we hope you'll have a wonderful day.
Don't forget to come back tomorrow for your annual free Mystery Box!
: You can find the details for this event on the announcement page [url=https://steamcommunity.com/ogg/582010/announcements/detail/1692722548299604889]here[/url].
As of Tuesday, December 24 9:00 UTC, a patch was released to fix a compatibility issue in preparation for the update from MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD to MONSTER HUNTER WORLD: ICEBORNE.
With this patch, the latest version of MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD is revision number 168031.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Important: The latest version of MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD is revision number 168031. You can verify the version number in the top-left corner when you launch the game in windowed mode. Keep in mind that you can only match with other players who have the same update version as you.
: You can find the details for this event on the announcement page [url=https://steamcommunity.com/ogg/238960/announcements/detail/1690470748482717606]here[/url].
Last week we released the new Polaris Mystery Box. Designed in a futuristic style, this Mystery Box instantly became one of the most popular ones we ever released! As an appreciation for your support, we're making the soundtrack of the Polaris Mystery Box available as a free download.
To download the Polaris Mystery Box soundtrack, click (or Right-click, "Save link as") on the file type you prefer: .flac[web.poecdn.com] or .mp3[web.poecdn.com].
Speaking of soundtrack: we've updated the Hideout Music Player with five themes of new Conquerors and Tane's Laboratory theme. You can find them under the 'Expansions' section.
If you enjoy music, created by our composer Kamil, check out his Soundcloud here[soundcloud.com] or YouTube channel.
The second week of the Metamorph League has begun. It's also the start of the holiday period at Grinding Gear Games and many of our developers are finally getting some rest and relaxation after an incredibly busy year. This week is also one of the busiest weeks for gaming in the year, so some of our developers have staggered their holidays until later so that they can be around to maintain Path of Exile while their colleagues take some time off. In this post we'd like to outline our plans for the remaining weeks of this year.
Here is a list of high-priority issues that we're working on at the moment and are keen to fix as soon as possible:
Not enough eyes are dropping in the Metamorph encounters.
On Windows 7, the game consumes too much memory.
Non-boss unique monsters in maps are able to drop Metamorph organs.
Sirus' storm can sometimes appear at the entrance of Oriath.
Metamorph bosses can't be frozen.
Various rare instance and client crashes.
You can find the rest of the known issues here[www.pathofexile.com]. We're also continuing to review your feedback regarding the Sirus fight and will be making necessary improvements where possible.
We're proud to finish this year not only with the launch of 2019's biggest expansion, but also with the release of the year's biggest set of Supporter Packs! The new Core Supporter Packs are now available in the store and replace the ones released alongside Betrayal, one year ago. Inspired by the look of five new endgame Conquerors, these five new Supporter Packs contain a lot of exclusive cosmetic microtransactions as well as tons of points to spend. In addition, the higher-tier ones include physical items, such as the new Conquerors of the Atlas Cloth Map, Path of Exile Gamebook and a pack of signed Path of Exile art prints!
The Basilisk Supporter Pack
The Basilisk Supporter Pack contains an Armour Set, a Weapon Effect, an Apparition Effect, a Helmet, a Social Frame, a Forum Title, a Badge and 550 points. Check out the preview video below!
The Crusader Supporter Pack
The Crusader Supporter Pack contains two Armour sets, two Weapon Effects, two Apparition Effects, a Back Attachment, a Hood, a Helmet, two Social Frames, two Forum Titles, two Badges and 950 points. Check out the preview video below!
The Eyrie Supporter Pack
The Eyrie Supporter Pack contains three Armour sets, three Weapon Effects, three Apparition Effects, a pet, a Back Attachment, two Hoods, a Helmet, three Social Frames, three Forum Titles, three Badges and 1600 points. There is also an optional Conquerors of the Atlas Cloth Map available in this Supporter Pack. Check out the preview video below!
The Judicator Supporter Pack
The Judicator Supporter Pack contains four Armour sets, four Weapon Effects, five Apparition Effects, a pet, a Back Attachment, three Hoods, a Helmet, four Social Frames, four Forum Titles, four Badges and 2400 points. Alongside exclusive microtransactions, this Supporter Pack contains optional physical items, such as a Conquerors of the Atlas Cloth Map and The Lord's Labyrinth: Path of Exile Gamebook! Check out the preview video below!
The Orion Supporter Pack
The Orion Supporter Pack contains five Armour sets, five Weapon Effects, six Apparition Effects, a Portal Effect, a pet, two Back Attachments, four Hoods, a Helmet, five Social Frames, five Forum Titles, five Badges and 4800 points. A Conquerors of the Atlas Cloth Map, Gamebook and a pack of signed Path of Exile prints are also available in this Supporter Pack. Check out the preview video below!
You can upgrade from one of these Supporter Packs to another in the same series by clicking "Upgrade" on the desired pack. The process will include any pure points packs purchased since the release of Conquerors of the Atlas. The maximum amount that upgrades can contribute is 80% of the value of a pack.
Upgrades can be done automatically via the purchase page on the website. If you run into any issues, please don't hesitate to contact us at support@grindinggear.com and we'll be happy to help.
We hope you really enjoy these Supporter Packs! Thank you so much for your generous support!
Got some killer PUBG skin ideas in your head? With the PUBG Community Skin Contest, your ideas come to life and best of all, have a chance to be added to the game! Submit your best designs for the M416, a custom hoodie or parachute. Each item category will have one winner, with the three winning designs getting turned into official PUBG skins!
To enter, simply download the template, create your design and then share it on your favorite social media platform with the hashtag #PUBGSkinContest and tag our official account on that platform, which is usually @PUBG. Our team will choose our favorites and upload the finalists to PUBG.com. The winners will be chosen by community votes. So even if you don't want to design a skin, you can still vote for your favorites.
More information and official rules can be found below! Thank you for taking this journey with us and we can't wait to see the creativity you bring!
[h3]How to Participate[/h3] Skin Designers Download one of the skin templates above and design an M416, Hoodie, or Parachute! Upload your artwork to your social accounts with #PUBGSkinContest and tag our official account on that platform.
Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Weibo
Voters Visit the http://PUBG.com voting page once finalists have been uploaded and cast your vote! You can vote for one design per category.
Finalist selection Period: Jan 6, 2020 – Jan 10, 2020
Public Voting Period: Jan 10, 2020 – Jan 20, 2020
Winner Announcement: Jan 21
Skin Release: Mar 23, 2020 (PUBG 3rd anniversary!)
*Dates subject to change. Notifications will be given in the event of date changes. [h3]Prize[/h3]
The top voted entry in each category will be created and distributed free to all players on PUBG's 3rd Anniversary!
[h3]Rules[/h3]Submission Guidelines
All artworks you submit must use the original templates provided above
You must keep your original file in case we request it later
Sign your artwork with your social account ID and one of your in-game identities in the live server (Steam in-game ID / PSN ID / XBOX Gamertag) on the template
Please put your IGN or ID with the platform. (e.g. PSN ID – xxxxxx)
Invalid or unidentified nickname/social accounts will not be considered
Artwork must be submitted through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or weibo
Submissions need to be open to the public without any restriction to view
You must use the #PUBGSkinContest hashtag in your entry posts and tag the official PUBG account on that platform
Submission after the entry period will not be considered
Design Guidelines
Don't use Ghillie suit textures or greenish camouflage color
Don't use symbols that hint at any religion, organization, or political orientation
Don't Draw over the line from templates
Don't violate the rights of any other person or company by using their trademarks, music, logos, names, or images without their express written consent
Don't use any content that is obscene, offensive; sexually explicit, derogatory of any ethnic, racial, gender, religious, professional or age group; promotes alcohol abuse, illegal drugs, tobacco, actual firearms/weapons (or the use of any of the foregoing) or a particular political agenda; defames, misrepresents or contains disparaging remarks about other people or companies or communicates messages or images inconsistent with the positive images and/or good will to which we wish to associate; and/or violates any law.
Live Broadcast: You can find the details for this event on the announcement page [url=https://steamcommunity.com/ogg/230410/announcements/detail/1705107447264487261]here[/url].
We're back for the final stream of 2019 -- and of the decade!
Who: Rebecca is joined by the usual crew on the couch!
What: This Devstream is dedicated to all things Empyrean. There will be some spoilers. There will be deep dives into mission structure, stats, and more! We will be going over the world we are building with Empyrean, and what this ride will look like! Buckle in, keep your arms and legs inside at all times!
Prizes? Oh yes! We have plenty of Digital Prizes to give out.
What a year 2019 has been! Rocket League celebrated its fourth birthday! We introduced full Cross-Platform play so friends can play together on all platforms. Radical Summer celebrated the '80s with our biggest in-game event ever. Countless glamour shots were taken with the new ReplayFX feature. Eight new cars entered the ever-expanding variety of vehicles. Plus, the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) held its eighth season and crowned a new World Champion just last weekend. And that just scratches the surface of everything that arrived this year.
Hopefully you spent some training time on the pitch and elevated your competitive game. Competitive Season 13 just kicked off, which means there's plenty of time to hit the custom training packs, and get to that elusive Champion Rank, or even Grand Champion! To close out the year, we compiled the top played Custom Training Packs of 2019. These packs have been played collectively more than 10 million times!
Check out the full list of Custom Training Packs below. Whether you've made training packs of your own, or prefer to improve your game on the fly in competitive games, thanks for being a part of the Rocket League community and helping make the game what it is today! Here's to another great year. We'll see you in 2020!
