# Grinding Gear Games

> video game developer company

**Wikidata**: [Q5609440](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5609440)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grinding_Gear_Games)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/grinding-gear-games

## Summary
Grinding Gear Games is a New Zealand-based video game developer company founded in 2006 by Chris Wilson. The company is best known for creating the popular action role-playing game Path of Exile and is currently owned by Tencent, which holds an 80% stake.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2006 in Auckland, New Zealand by Chris Wilson
- Creator of the action RPG Path of Exile and its sequel Path of Exile 2
- Acquired by Tencent in 2018 with an 80% ownership stake
- Notable for developing free-to-play games with monetization through optional purchases
- Operates as a subsidiary company under Tencent's ownership
- Has 9 Wikipedia language editions across major languages
- Listed on multiple gaming databases including Giant Bomb and Metacritic

## FAQs
### Q: What is Grinding Gear Games known for?
A: Grinding Gear Games is primarily known for developing Path of Exile, a popular free-to-play action role-playing game that has gained a significant following since its release.

### Q: Who owns Grinding Gear Games?
A: Grinding Gear Games is owned by Tencent, the Chinese multinational conglomerate, which acquired an 80% stake in the company in 2018.

### Q: Where is Grinding Gear Games located?
A: Grinding Gear Games is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, where it was founded in 2006.

## Why It Matters
Grinding Gear Games represents a significant success story in the independent video game development scene, demonstrating how a small New Zealand studio can create globally successful games. The company's approach to free-to-play gaming with ethical monetization has influenced industry practices, particularly through Path of Exile's model of providing a complete game experience without pay-to-win elements. Their success has also highlighted New Zealand's growing presence in the global video game industry and shown how independent developers can compete with larger studios through innovative design and community engagement. The company's acquisition by Tencent also illustrates the increasing globalization of the video game industry, where successful independent studios often become part of larger international corporations.

## Notable For
- Creating Path of Exile, one of the most successful free-to-play action RPGs
- Developing a sustainable free-to-play model without pay-to-win mechanics
- Being one of New Zealand's most internationally successful game studios
- Maintaining creative independence while being majority-owned by Tencent
- Building a strong community-driven development approach

## Body
### Company History and Foundation
Grinding Gear Games was established in 2006 in Auckland, New Zealand, by Chris Wilson and his team. The company began with a vision to create action RPGs that would appeal to fans of classic games in the genre while incorporating modern design elements.

### Path of Exile Development
The company's flagship product, Path of Exile, was released in 2013 after a successful beta period. The game has since received numerous updates and expansions, with Path of Exile 2 currently in development. The original game has maintained a strong player base and continues to receive regular content updates.

### Business Model and Monetization
Grinding Gear Games pioneered a successful free-to-play model that relies on optional cosmetic purchases rather than pay-to-win mechanics. This approach has been praised for its fairness and has contributed to the game's longevity and positive community reception.

### Tencent Acquisition
In 2018, Tencent acquired an 80% stake in Grinding Gear Games, providing the company with additional resources while allowing it to maintain creative control over its projects. This acquisition has enabled the studio to expand its development capabilities while continuing to operate from New Zealand.

### Industry Impact
The company has influenced the action RPG genre through its complex skill system, deep character customization, and regular content updates. Their success has demonstrated the viability of the free-to-play model when implemented ethically and has inspired other developers to consider similar approaches.

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  "foundingDate": "2006",
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## References

1. [Source](https://www.pcgamer.com/every-game-company-that-tencent-has-invested-in/)
2. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Grinding_Gear_Games-6V3WVM)
3. VideoGameGeek
4. [Best Grinding Gear Games Posts - Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/t/grinding_gear_games/)