U4GM - Deleuzian Rhizomes in POE 2 Currency Networks
In the world of Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), a vast array of systems interact to create a dynamic and complex ecosystem of trade, power, and economics. One such system is the in-game currency network, where various forms of digital currencies are exchanged between players. While many may view this network simply as a means to acquire items or advance in the game, a deeper theoretical exploration can reveal the intricate connections that govern it. Specifically, using Gilles Deleuze's concept of rhizomes provides an insightful framework for understanding the fluid, decentralized nature of POE 2's currency networks.
Deleuze, alongside Félix Guattari, developed the idea of the rhizome in their influential work, A Thousand Plateaus. The rhizome is a non-hierarchical, decentralized structure of organization, drawing on the natural world (particularly plants with underground stems that spread in various directions). It contrasts with traditional, tree-like systems of thought that follow a linear, branching structure. In a rhizomatic system, there is no single origin or central authority; instead, connections form in unexpected ways and from multiple points, making it a fluid and dynamic structure.
When applied to the currency networks in POE 2, we begin to see how Deleuzian rhizomes offer an ideal lens for analyzing the exchange and flow of in-game currencies. In POE 2, currency is not just a fixed asset; it represents a network of interactions between players, items, and market trends. Currencies such as Chaos Orbs, Exalted Orbs, and other rare items function as nodes within this larger web. These currencies do not exist in isolation but are continuously redefined by their connections to one another, creating a system that is decentralized, fluid, and constantly shifting in response to player actions and the broader economic environment.
The rhizomatic nature of POE 2's currency network manifests in the way players engage in trade. Currency flows in a non-linear fashion, with transactions happening in multiple directions at once. A player may exchange Chaos Orbs for items in one instance and then trade those items for another form of POE 2 currency or resources in the next. These exchanges form a complex web, where the value of currency is often determined by the constantly evolving network of demand, supply, and speculation. Just as a rhizome spreads its roots in unpredictable directions, currency in POE 2 is continually influenced by external and internal factors, from new patch updates to community-driven trends.
Moreover, the decentralized nature of POE 2's currency system is amplified by the lack of a central governing body or entity that dictates the flow of trade. In a traditional economic system, governments or financial institutions play a central role in controlling the flow of currency and enforcing regulations. In POE 2, however, the currency system is governed by the actions and decisions of individual players, guilds, and market forces. This creates a decentralized, peer-to-peer network where the rules are made by the community, not a central authority, much like the rhizomatic structure where connections emerge organically and without a singular point of control.
The constantly shifting dynamics within POE 2’s currency network also reflect another aspect of the rhizome: the concept of deterritorialization and reterritorialization. In a rhizomatic system, boundaries are constantly shifting, with elements moving in and out of different contexts. Similarly, the value and status of currency in POE 2 are subject to fluctuations and changes based on shifts in the game’s content, community behavior, or even the introduction of new currencies or trade systems. For example, when a new currency is introduced, it may initially be undervalued or unrecognized, but over time, as it becomes integrated into the currency network, its value may increase, creating a process of reterritorialization where players recalibrate their trading strategies and currency interactions.
In conclusion, the application of Deleuzian rhizomes to POE 2’s currency networks provides a novel and rich perspective on the game’s economic system. By viewing the currency network as a rhizomatic structure, we can appreciate the decentralized, ever-shifting nature of the in-game economy. Players, through their individual and collective actions, create a vast web of connections that constantly evolve, reshaping the flow of value and creating a dynamic, decentralized currency system. In this way, POE 2's currency networks can be seen not just as a tool for in-game transactions, but as an example of a rhizomatic system in action, embodying the fluid, interconnected world envisioned by Deleuze and Guattari.