The Impact of Game Modes: Analyzing Permadeath, Playstyles, and Trading on Player Performance in Path of Exile

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Presented at HICSS 2025 by

Amel Smajic

Johanna Pirker

Understanding how different modes influence player strategies and performance is crucial for developers aiming to accommodate diverse play styles and balance game challenges effectively. In this study, we investigate the relationship between game modes and player behavior in the online action role-playing game, Path of Exile. To achieve this, we perform a cluster analysis of player data to identify distinct playing profiles. These profiles allow us to analyze player adaptation to various game modes, such as singleplayer, multiplayer, and permadeath. We explore the prevalence of these profiles within each mode and assess player performance using key metrics like damage output, defense, and progression. Our findings reveal significant influences of game modes on player behavior, highlighting specific preferences and tendencies unique to each mode. By identifying four distinct player profiles (Glass Cannon, Tank, Leveling, Endgame), we provide an understanding of how different players interact with the game. This research contributes insights for game developers and designers, offering a foundation for crafting engaging and well-balanced games that appeal to a wide range of players.