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The Philosophy of Wealth POE 2 as a Case Study in Existential Economics - Llywelyn - 03-22-2025
Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) stands out not only for its deep gameplay mechanics and expansive world-building but also for its unique approach to wealth and currency within the game. As players navigate the digital realm, collecting valuable items and exchanging orbs, they are faced with a constantly evolving market that mirrors real-world economies. While POE 2 offers a virtual setting, the economic principles at play within the game touch on profound philosophical and existential questions about the nature of wealth, value, and personal fulfillment. This makes POE 2 an interesting case study in existential economics, a field that explores the intersection of personal identity, economic systems, and the pursuit of meaning.
Wealth as a Construct
One of the central questions in existential philosophy revolves around the nature of wealth and its value. In the real world, wealth is often seen as a measure of success, with individuals striving to accumulate material possessions and resources. However, existential philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche have argued that wealth, much like other aspects of human existence, is a social construct—a way for society to assign meaning and status to certain things. In this context, wealth is not an inherent good but rather a reflection of societal values and beliefs.
POE 2 provides an excellent lens through which to explore this notion. The game’s primary currency, orbs, are not inherently valuable—they only gain meaning through the actions and decisions of players. The game’s economy is largely driven by scarcity and demand, and while certain items may hold more value in specific circumstances, that value is entirely subjective and can fluctuate based on the collective behavior of the player base. Just like real-world currencies, the value of orbs is shaped by the decisions of individuals within the system, creating an artificial scarcity that drives the economy forward.
As players gather wealth in the form of orbs, they are often faced with the realization that these virtual riches hold no intrinsic value. They cannot be used outside the game world, nor do they provide lasting fulfillment. Instead, they serve as a tool for achieving personal goals within the context of POE 2—a reminder that wealth, even in a game, is an arbitrary construct that only holds value in relation to one’s pursuit of meaning.
Existential Freedom and the Pursuit of Wealth
In existential philosophy, freedom is a core concept. Philosophers like Sartre argue that individuals are free to create their own meaning in life, and this freedom is both empowering and burdensome. In the context of POE 2, the pursuit of wealth—whether in the form of crafting powerful items, accumulating orbs, or trading rare commodities—can be seen as a metaphor for the human quest for meaning. Players are not confined to a single path; they are free to explore different strategies and make choices that reflect their personal desires and goals.
This freedom, however, can lead to a sense of existential anxiety. In POE 2, the absence of a clear “right” or “wrong” way to accumulate wealth means that players must constantly navigate a world of uncertainty. Should they focus on farming specific areas to gather rare items? Should they focus on crafting and manipulating the game’s economy to make profitable trades? Each choice carries with it the possibility of failure and disappointment, much like the real world’s pursuit of wealth. The player’s journey to accumulate wealth becomes a deeply personal quest that mirrors the existential search for meaning in life.
Alienation and the Commodity Fetishism of Wealth
Another key theme in existentialism is alienation—the sense of disconnection and detachment from one’s surroundings and others. In the context of POE 2, this alienation is often felt when players become fixated on accumulating wealth or acquiring rare items. As players get lost in the pursuit of orbs and in-game riches, they may become disconnected from the larger world of the game, focusing on the accumulation of wealth at the expense of the immersive experience that the game provides.
The concept of commodity fetishism, introduced by Karl Marx, is particularly relevant in this context. In POE 2, as in the real world, wealth is often fetishized—the value of an item or orb becomes detached from the social relationships and actions that created it. Instead of seeing the work or effort required to obtain an item, players see only the item itself and the potential for profit. This can lead to a sense of alienation, where the player becomes obsessed with the object of wealth rather than the experience of playing the game.
For example, players who become fixated on trading items and maximizing profits might overlook the deeper, more enriching aspects of the game, such as exploration, story-telling, and character development. This commodification of wealth, while an essential component of the game’s economy, reflects a broader existential critique of how modern society often values material wealth over personal fulfillment.
The Absurdity of Wealth and the Will to Power
Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the “will to power” posits that individuals are driven by an inherent desire to assert their dominance over their environment and shape their own destiny. In POE 2, players engage in a similar struggle, as they attempt to manipulate the game’s economy and market to their advantage. The pursuit of wealth becomes a manifestation of this will to power, as players seek to accumulate more orbs, acquire rare items, and gain prestige within the community.
However, the pursuit of wealth in POE 2, like in life, often leads to a sense of absurdity. No matter how much wealth players accumulate, there is always another goal, another item to acquire, or another trade to make. This endless cycle reflects the existential concept of the “absurd,” a term used by philosophers such as Albert Camus to describe the inherent meaninglessness of life. In POE 2, the accumulation of wealth becomes an absurd pursuit—one that provides temporary satisfaction but ultimately lacks lasting fulfillment. The paradox is that players continue to chase after these virtual riches, even though they are fully aware that these possessions hold no true meaning outside the game world.
Wealth and the Game’s Narrative Structure
In POE 2, the game’s narrative is intertwined with the concept of wealth. Characters and factions within the world are driven by their own desires for power, wealth, and dominance. As players progress through the game’s story, they encounter individuals and groups who, much like players themselves, are driven by the quest for material gain. This structure mirrors the existential tension between the desire for wealth and the search for meaning—both within the game and in life.
Wealth in POE 2 is not just a mechanic; it is a tool through which players explore themes of ambition, desire, and personal fulfillment. The game’s economy, which is driven by the actions of players, creates a space where existential questions about wealth and value can be examined. Whether it’s the quest for rare items or the negotiation of trades, POE 2 forces players to confront the philosophical implications of wealth and its place in the human experience.
In conclusion, POE 2 offers more than just a digital economy; it provides a rich, philosophical framework for exploring the nature of wealth, value, and personal fulfillment. The game serves as a case study in existential economics, where wealth is a construct shaped by individual choices and market forces. As players pursue riches within the game, they are simultaneously engaging in a deeper philosophical exploration of the meaning of wealth in their own lives. Whether through the lens of freedom, alienation, or absurdity, POE 2 challenges players to rethink the true value of wealth—and whether it’s worth pursuing at all.
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