Path of Exile allowing closed beta access and more for donations

Grinding Gear Games is coming off of their extremely successful open stress test this past weekend for Path of Exile, and are hoping players are feeling generous. In a Kickstarter-esque donation run, GGG has created a tier system that provides donators with various levels of rewards for their backing. The rewards are more symbolic than valuable, but excited fans now have an option to support the game and gain access to the closed beta.

There are 7 tiers of donations, ranging from the $10 "Early Access Pack" to the $1000 "Diamond Pack." One gets you a single beta key and 100 microtransaction points, the other... well, here's a list:

• 10000 (10 points per $1)
• 5 Closed Beta Keys
• "Diamond Supporter" forum title
• Digital soundtrack download
• In-game "Diamond-Kiwi" pet
• Path of Exile DVD and soundtrack CD
• Map of Wraeclast poster
• Path of Exile t-shirt
• Any of the above items signed by the development team
• Name in the Path of Exile credits
• Custom forum avatar
• Collaborate on a in-game unique-tier item based on your designs

Currently, the only two items available for purchase in the microtransaction store are an extra stash tab and an extra character slot, each for 30 points apiece. Lots more on the way, or so I'm told.

I'll reiterate for GGG that Path of Exile is a free-to-play title, and will always be so once they launch and forever on. They are also a small team trying to earn funding so they can complete their game, and what a game it is! All of that classic hack and slash action, with the gritty and dark tone you miss from Diablo.

Check out their donation page, or try and wait patiently for Path of Exile's June open beta. It's going to be fun!