Aesthetics and Cosmetic Microtransactions in Path of Exile

Abstract

This article uses Jacques Rancière’s notion of aesthetic regime of art and Nicholas Bourriaud’s idea of relational aesthetics to assess the role of aesthetics microtransactions in Path of Exile (2013-, Grinding Gear Games). Three main roles of aesthetics microtransactions are concerned: 1) signifiers in social, in-game interaction between players 2) awards which motivate specific practices of play and 3) tools of agency used outside the conventional play frame. The main claim of the paper is that the aesthetic layer of the game, while formally disconnected, nevertheless governs the practices of play and constructs underpinnings for game’s post-release cycle.