Eleventh Hour Games has announced that the highly anticipated 'Orobyss' expansion for their popular action RPG, Last Epoch, will be available at no additional cost to all current owners of the base game. This decision honors a commitment made during the game's 2018 Kickstarter campaign, despite earlier indications from EHG founder Judd Cobler that the studio might need to charge for the expansion due to previous seasons not meeting profitability targets. The expansion's free release underscores the developer's dedication to its player base, ensuring that core content additions remain accessible.
However, the release of Orobyss will also introduce a new, uniquely designed 'Paradox class,' which will carry a separate, yet-to-be-revealed price tag. This class is described as a 'fully alternate playable class built on systems that work differently from anything else in the game,' marking an innovative approach to character design within Last Epoch. Eleventh Hour Games plans to continue experimenting with more such classes in the future, aiming to diversify gameplay experiences. While this new monetization strategy has sparked debate among fans, particularly concerning potential 'pay-to-win' scenarios, the developers maintain that given the game's non-competitive PvP nature, any advantage offered by paid classes would primarily impact personal prestige rather than competitive balance.
Looking ahead, the Orobyss expansion is scheduled for release next year, with two seasons of updates planned for the base game prior to its launch. The studio acknowledges a longer-than-desired gap between seasons, attributing it to ongoing hiring efforts and preparations for the game's debut on PlayStation 5. Amidst this, EHG has also sought to reassure its community regarding its development philosophy, explicitly stating that Krafton's 'AI-first' corporate direction will not alter their established, hands-on approach to creating Last Epoch, reinforcing their commitment to traditional game development values.
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with developers often facing the challenge of balancing financial sustainability with player expectations and creative vision. Eleventh Hour Games' strategy for Last Epoch reflects a thoughtful navigation of these complexities, striving to deliver new content while preserving the core principles that endeared the game to its community. Their commitment to keeping major expansions free, alongside the introduction of innovative paid content, exemplifies a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes both player satisfaction and the long-term growth of the game.
