[GAME BREAKING] Addressing Price Manipulation and Market Inflation in Path of Exile's Trade System

Subject: Addressing Price Manipulation and Market Inflation in Path of Exile's Trade System

Overview:

The current state of Path of Exile 2's trade forums reveals a concerning trend: items are frequently listed at exorbitant prices, often measured in the highest denominations of in-game currency, such as Exalted Orbs and Divine Orbs. This practice not only distorts the perceived value of items but also undermines the integrity of the game's economy.

Additionally, Path of Exile 1 suffered from this exact same activity, which ultimately chased away a large portion of the player base, leaving only niche players who were either willing to manipulate prices or had the resources to cope with the inflated economy. Even I, a long-time player, only engaged with the game in a super casual capacity because there was no way to gain enough currency to pay for the exorbitant prices. This issue must not be allowed to persist in Path of Exile 2, as it fundamentally damages the experience for honest, hard-working players.

Price manipulation and overinflated listings in Path of Exile's trade forums have been a persistent issue, adversely affecting the in-game economy and player experience. Players have reported encountering items priced at exorbitant rates, such as 999,999 Divine Orbs or Exalted Orbs, which are far beyond their actual value. This practice creates artificial price floors and ceilings, leading to market distortion and making it challenging for genuine players to engage in fair trades.

Issues Identified:

1. Price Inflation and Market Distortion:

o Exorbitant Listings: Items are being listed at prices far exceeding their actual value, with some reaching over 80 Exalted Orbs or more. For example, items listed in the forums at the beginning of the league are almost never sold at these high prices, yet they remain listed, giving a false sense of value to the market. By the end of the league, items listed for 100 Divines suddenly drop in value to 1 or 2 Divines, revealing the artificial manipulation likely driven by third-party interference.

o Currency Value Fluctuations: The value of currencies like Exalted Orbs and Divine Orbs fluctuates wildly due to this manipulation, creating an inconsistent and confusing market for new and casual players.

2. Exploitation by Third-Party Entities:

o Real Money Trading (RMT): There is overwhelming evidence that third-party websites and bots are overinflating in-game prices for profit, harming both honest players and Grinding Gear Games (GGG). These sites manipulate the economy for personal gain, while players are left frustrated and GGG loses out on player retention.

o Market Rigging: The practice of artificially maintaining inflated prices forces players to turn to these third-party sites for currency, undermining the integrity of the in-game economy and harming the overall community. I've personally did a data base search on divine and exalted and found item priced from 55555555 up to 9999999 utterly ridiculous.

3. Challenges for Genuine Players:

o Lack of Accessibility: New and casual players have no reasonable way to engage with the trade system, as the inflated economy puts even basic items out of reach.

o Deceptive Pricing: The manipulation of trade forums makes it impossible for honest players to determine true item values, leaving them either unable to sell or massively overpaying.

Evidence of Price Manipulation:

• Artificial Price Floors: Manipulators establish "sell walls" by listing large quantities of currency or items at inflated prices, creating an artificial floor price. This tactic forces regular players to comply with these rates, perpetuating a cycle of inflation.

Path of Exile

• Inconsistent Currency Values: Disparities in currency exchange rates have been observed, with some players listing Exalted Orbs for 120 Chaos Orbs and others for 190 Chaos Orbs, despite the actual market value being around 175 Chaos Orbs. These inconsistencies indicate deliberate price fixing.
Steam Community

• Price Fixing Schemes: Instances of coordinated price fixing have been documented, where individuals or groups manipulate the market by hoarding specific items and relisting them at higher prices, thereby controlling supply and demand dynamics.

ZLeague

Proposed Solution: Implementing a Gold-Based Posting Fee System

To address these concerns, I propose introducing a system where players are required to pay a gold fee to list items on the trade forum. This fee would be proportional to the item's listed price, similar to the in-game currency exchange mechanism.

Benefits:

• Deterrence of Inflated Listings: A tiered fee structure would discourage players and bots from posting items at unreasonable prices, as they would need to spend significant gold to maintain such listings.

• Reduction of Bot Activity: Since gold cannot be traded or sold, bots and third-party entities would be forced to actively farm and play the game to generate gold, leveling the playing field for all players.

• Encouragement of Gameplay: Players would need to engage more with the game's content to earn gold for trade postings, promoting active participation and discouraging manipulative practices.

• Market Transparency: A gold-based fee system would encourage more realistic pricing, leading to a more transparent and equitable trading system.
Additional Recommendations:

• Gold Acquisition Tracking: Implement a system to track gold earned per hour, similar to experience per hour, rewarding active gameplay.

• Dynamic Gold Rewards: Adjust gold rewards based on activity and time invested in the game, ensuring that dedicated players have sufficient resources to engage in fair trading.

Impact on the Player Base:

Such manipulative practices have historically led to player attrition. In Path of Exile 1, the prevalence of overinflated prices and market manipulation discouraged many players, leaving only a niche group willing to navigate the distorted economy. Casual players found it increasingly difficult to acquire necessary items or currency, diminishing their overall gaming experience.

Proposed Solution: Implementing a Gold-Based Posting Fee System

To mitigate these challenges, introducing a gold-based fee for listing items on the trade forum is recommended. This system would function as follows:

• Fee Structure: Sellers pay a gold fee proportional to the item's listed price, deterring the posting of items at unreasonable rates.

• Non-Transferable Gold: Since gold cannot be traded or sold, players and bots would need to actively participate in gameplay to earn gold, reducing the prevalence of automated or manipulative listings.

• Encouragement of Fair Pricing: A fee-based system incentivizes sellers to list items at realistic prices to minimize listing costs, promoting a more transparent and equitable market.

Additional Recommendations:

• Gold Acquisition Tracking: Implement a system that tracks gold earned per hour, rewarding active players and ensuring they have sufficient resources for trading activities.

• Dynamic Gold Rewards: Adjust gold rewards based on gameplay engagement, encouraging consistent participation and fair trading practices.

Impact on Path of Exile 1:

Path of Exile 1's trade system suffered from these same issues, which ultimately alienated a large portion of the player base. Players had no viable way to gain enough currency to compete in the inflated market, leading to widespread frustration and a lack of engagement. By the end of each league, it became evident that third-party sites were manipulating the forum, as items originally listed for 100 Divines would suddenly sell for 1 or 2 Divines. This pattern indicates that these third-party entities were artificially inflating prices for profit at the expense of GGG and its player base.

Conclusion:

This issue is game-breaking and must be addressed immediately before Path of Exile 2's official release. The trade forum should reflect true costs and provide an accessible, fair market for all players. Failure to address these concerns risks repeating the mistakes of Path of Exile 1 and alienating the broader player base, leaving only niche players and those exploiting the system.

A gold-based posting fee system would ensure that only honest, engaged players participate in the trade economy, promoting fairness and sustainability for the game's future.

Addressing price manipulation and overinflated listings is crucial to maintaining a healthy in-game economy and ensuring a positive experience for all players. Implementing a gold-based posting fee system, along with tracking mechanisms for gold acquisition, can deter manipulative practices and foster a fairer trading environment. Prompt action on this matter is essential to prevent the recurrence of issues that previously led to player dissatisfaction and attrition in Path of Exile 1.

Note: The above proposal references specific instances and discussions within the Path of Exile community to underscore the urgency and validity of the concerns raised.
Sources

Should try a bingo card instead of a long post like this. GGG said they like short concise visual feedback.

there is no short and concise on this topic, since its been broken since poe1 nd all they did was copy and paste to poe2.

The distortion of perceived item value has always been an issue in games like this.

It’s what led so many people to use D2JSP for D2. Why argue with people all day because your perceived values are different when you can go to a one stop shop with a stable currency?

This is not really a bug is it? Sounds more like it should belong into the feedback section.

all over global people are complaining they cant do a trade. LOL Asking in Global, is the Trade Forum broken.

So, yep, its broken, Fix it.

You know that "this is a butterfly meme" if i could post a picture it would be that but saying "this is a bug"

Game Breaking lol....you can play ssf right. Every MMO with a form of AH has manipulation and inflation its been around for a long time kido.

Well than lets give every name we see in forum that does not answer or prices too high, a 1-10 star out of 10 star rating. Than we can start giving out 1 star to the dirt bags and you have to work to keep your rating high.

"

BrewskiesBrew#0748 schrieb:

Well than lets give every name we see in forum that does not answer or prices too high, a 1-10 star out of 10 star rating. Than we can start giving out 1 star to the dirt bags and you have to work to keep your rating high.

hey maybe instead of personal attacks and insults in your replies you should focus on 1) posting in the right category and 2) finishing your post. it abruptly ends at "Sources" and I've been waiting an hour for you to add your citations.

The Trade forum is broken and your comment does not state yey or nay. So its exactly where it needs to be posted. Whos the one attacking who here?

Sources, do a trade forum search, in Realative put in Divine, than the Min Value 500000 and hit enter

Sceptre
Spirit: 100
Item Level: 76
Requires Level 72, 50 Str, 128 Int
Grants Skill: Level 17 Skeletal Warrior Minion

Asking Price:
999999×divineDivine Orb
DDEDDE#7580 listed 11 hours ago

any other feedback you have would be helpful. I was hoping for pros and cons, not challenges and accusations.

But ty for your input